Two men face firearm and drug charges after a K-9 alerted officers to a vehicle at Studio 6, where police say they found a handgun, drum magazine and suspected marijuana
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – A late-night encounter with an occupied vehicle outside an East Brunswick hotel led officers to a loaded Glock 43, a large-capacity drum magazine and roughly half a pound of suspected marijuana, resulting in two arrests at a property where police say emergency crews have been dispatched more than 2,500 times this year.
The incident began at approximately 11:38 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Studio 6 at 246 Highway 18, according to the East Brunswick Police Department.
Patrolmen Edward Mironski and Michael Miszkiewicz observed an occupied vehicle and made contact with the people inside after seeing violations, police said.
During the investigation, officers developed reasonable suspicion and requested a narcotics-detection K-9.
Middlesex County Sheriff’s Officer Kevin Mastroserio arrived with K-9 Jester. Police said the dog gave a positive indication, leading officers to search the vehicle.
Investigators reported finding a loaded Glock 43 handgun, a large-capacity drum magazine, approximately half a pound of suspected marijuana, a digital scale and packaging materials police said were consistent with drug distribution.
Edwin Rojas, 32, of New Brunswick, and Kevin Rodriguez, 24, of Bordentown, were arrested.
Police said the charges against the two include unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense, certain persons not to have weapons, distribution or possession with intent to distribute marijuana, marijuana possession and possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine.
The charges were placed on warrants, and both men were transported to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending further court proceedings.
A third occupant, identified as Kason Cole, 21, of Edison, was found to have an outstanding warrant from Woodbridge Township, according to police.
Cole was taken into custody and later turned over to the Woodbridge Police Department.
The arrests come amid what East Brunswick Police describe as a significant demand for emergency services at the Studio 6 and neighboring Motel 6 properties.
Since Jan. 1, officers have taken more than 750 police reports involving the properties, the department said.
Computer Aided Dispatch statistics also show more than 2,500 police, fire and emergency medical resources have been dispatched to incidents there this year.
Police said responding to the properties multiple times each day has required thousands of hours of personnel time.
The investigation into Wednesday night’s incident remains active. Anyone with information can contact the East Brunswick Police Department at 732-390-6900.
Rojas and Rodriguez are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- East Brunswick Police said a vehicle search at Studio 6 uncovered a loaded Glock 43, large-capacity drum magazine and about half a pound of suspected marijuana.
- Edwin Rojas, 32, and Kevin Rodriguez, 24, face multiple firearm and drug charges and were taken to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
- Police say more than 750 reports have involved the Studio 6 and Motel 6 properties this year, with more than 2,500 police, fire and EMS resources dispatched there.
