LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Two Hammonton residents are facing a series of charges after police discover drugs and weapons inside their vehicle following a motor vehicle crash.
Little Egg Harbor Police said the incident happened in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday, September 6th. Patrol units discovered a red Toyota passenger car off the roadway on Route 9 in the area of Winding Wood Road around 12:45 a.m.
The car, driven by 25-year-old Jose Marquez, had struck a utility pole, causing significant damage to the vehicle. Marquez and his passenger, 23-year-old Rodney Gilliard Jr. were seen by the police trying to exit the vehicle. Both suffered minor injuries.
In a Facebook post, police said during the search of the vehicle, they found cocaine, heroin, marijuana, xanax and a stolen handgun and shotgun.
Marquez was charged with DUI and possession with the intent to distribute CDS and weapons offenses including the unlawful possession of a weapon. He was taken to the Ocean County Jail.
The passenger, Gilliard, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute CDS. Gilliard was arrested and released on a summons.
Patrolman Chris Myers and Patrolman Tim Hoolahan were involved in the investigation with aid from the Little Egg Harbor Police Departments street crimes unit.
