Six adults and a teenager charged after investigators discover weapons and drugs during traffic stop
TINTON FALLS, N.J. — What began as a suspicious vehicle investigation in Tinton Falls quickly escalated into a major drug and weapons case that ended with six adults and a juvenile facing a long list of criminal charges.
The arrests stem from a traffic stop conducted May 28 on Centre Plaza, according to the Tinton Falls Police Department.
Investigators said officers stopped a suspicious vehicle and discovered two loaded handguns, approximately 11 ounces of crack cocaine, multiple bags of heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Police also determined the vehicle had been reported stolen out of South Amboy.
Authorities arrested Lamar Hicks Sr., 41, of Brick; Lah’ki Hicks, 19, of Keansburg; Cha Taylor, 19, of Keansburg; Justreal Randolph, 19, of Asbury Park; Tairell Billingsley, 35, of Highlands; and a 16-year-old juvenile from Keansburg.
The suspects were charged with numerous offenses, including unlawful possession of weapons, possession of weapons for an unlawful purpose, possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance exceeding five ounces, possession of a firearm during a drug offense, employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, endangering the welfare of a child and receiving stolen property.
The five adult defendants were processed and lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The juvenile was lodged at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center.
The investigation and arrests were led by Detective Michael Ballas with assistance from multiple members of the Tinton Falls Police Department.
Key Points
- Police said a traffic stop uncovered two loaded handguns, crack cocaine, heroin and drug paraphernalia.
- Officers determined the vehicle involved had been reported stolen out of South Amboy.
- Five adults and one juvenile face numerous drug, weapons and stolen property charges.
