LEONIA, NJ – A New York City man, Richard X. Santos, was arrested and charged for the unlawful possession of a handgun. The arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop conducted by Leonia Police Officer Debbie Maldonado.
According to police, on Tuesday, at approximately 11:30 am, officer Maldonado was on patrol in a marked police car on Route 95 north in the local lanes.
“At that time, she observed a black 2018 BMW sedan illegally enter the local lanes from the express lanes of Route 95. PO Maldonado conducted a traffic stop and found the vehicle to be occupied by Santos and a female passenger,” police reported. “Maldonado conducted a roadside investigation that led to a search of the vehicle which yielded a loaded handgun, marijuana, and over $4,000 in US currency in the glove compartment.”
Santos was placed under arrest at the scene without incident.