New york man charged for illegal gun in leonia
Police cruiser parked. © BSP.

New York Man Charged for Illegal Gun in Leonia

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.

Charlie Dwyer

Charlie Dwyer is our New Jersey area news reporter. Dwyer reports on New Jersey news and events at the shore and beyond. Charlie covers New Jersey regional news. Charlie is a freelancer working for Shore News Network under a pen name.