HOWELL, N.J. — A 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy face multiple charges after a series of early-morning vehicle burglaries led officers to recover a ghost gun with a 50-round drum magazine, according to the Howell Township Police Department.
Officers responded around 3 a.m. to the area of Lorelei Drive and Virginia Drive following reports of someone actively breaking into vehicles, police said.
Foot Chase Leads to Arrests
Patrolman Dan Davison arrived first and encountered a suspect, who fled on foot through backyards and over fences. Davison pursued the individual, joined by Patrolman Ryan Goodspeed, and the two officers apprehended him after a chase.
Additional officers, including Lt. Antunez and Sgt. Homiek, responded to establish a perimeter as police began identifying victims and reviewing surveillance footage.
Investigators determined that multiple vehicles in the এলাক had been burglarized and that a second suspect was involved.
Ghost Gun Found in Nearby Vehicle
During the search, Patrolman Maccia located a vehicle tied to the detained suspect parked nearby. Looking inside, he observed a handgun on the floorboard.
Police said the weapon was a ghost gun equipped with an extended-capacity 50-round drum magazine. The firearm was secured, and the vehicle was towed pending a search warrant for possible stolen property linked to the burglaries.
A K-9 unit assisted officers as they continued searching for the second suspect.
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Key Points
• Howell police arrest two suspects after overnight vehicle burglary spree
• Officers recover ghost gun with 50-round drum magazine from suspect vehicle
• Adult suspect jailed; juvenile placed in youth detention facility
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Second Suspect Located Within Perimeter
Patrolman Jerry Perez later located a second individual matching the suspect description within the secured area. Surveillance footage helped confirm the person’s involvement, police said.
Antonio C. Thompson II, 22, of Trenton, was charged with multiple counts of burglary, weapons offenses, obstruction, and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Monmouth County Jail.
The second suspect, a 15-year-old from Trenton, faces several burglary and weapons-related charges and was taken to the Middlesex County Youth Detention Facility.
Investigation Ongoing
Police indicated the investigation remains active as officers seek additional evidence and determine the full scope of the burglaries.
Authorities noted that all charges are accusations, and both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.