JACKSON – Township police reported making an arrest involving drugs and a gun on Aug. 28.
Township Police Captain Steven Laskiewicz, who serves as commander of the Uniformed Services Division Commander and Public Information Officer, said that while working a Directed Enforcement Detail coordinated with a Drunk Driving Enforcement Detail (DDEF), officers and detectives assigned to the detail received information of possible narcotics activity at the Jackson Premium Outlets located off of Monmouth Road.
While conducting surveillance in the area, officers observed the suspect vehicle enter the parking lot and conducted a motor vehicle stop. As the three occupants of the vehicle were being secured, officers observed the front seat passenger of the vehicle attempting to reach for his waistband before complying with their orders.
Laskiewicz added that as the passenger was taken into custody, a Beretta M9 9mm handgun was recovered from the front area of his waistband. The gun was secured and discovered to have a 15 round magazine which was fully loaded.
During a further search of the vehicle, five bricks of heroin, that were in excess of two ounces, packaged for sale, was also recovered.
Laskiewicz said that the three male suspects were placed under arrest and the 2005 Ford van they were in was impounded pending forfeiture proceedings.
The three men arrested include Daryl Smith, 27, Trenton who was charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
Also charged was Cedric Hennessee-Flippin, 27, Trenton with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle.
The third man arrested was Zaire Jackson, 25, Trenton who was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute, possession of hollow point bullets and possession of a magazine capable of holding in excess of 10 rounds.
The trio were arrested, processed and later lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Laskiewicz added that in addition to this incident, other officers working the evening detail, which included members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, conducted 69 motor vehicle stops, issued 45 summonses and impounded two vehicles.
The public is reminded that anyone arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
