Routine traffic stop leads to gun cache discovery as one suspect remains on the run
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ – A routine traffic stop in Atlantic County escalated into a weapons investigation that uncovered multiple illegal firearms, leading to arrests and an ongoing search for one suspect who has not surrendered.
The incident began around 8:49 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, when an officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Wrangleboro Road near the Atlantic City Expressway involving a 2021 black Dodge Durango for traffic violations.
Following the initial roadside investigation, the vehicle was towed and a search warrant was later obtained.
On Tuesday, April 8, officers and detectives executed the warrant, recovering three unregistered handguns. Authorities said one of the weapons had been reported stolen out of Monroe Township. Investigators also seized hollow-point and ball ammunition, along with extended magazines.
Arrest warrants were issued for the driver, 20-year-old Romello Gardner of Mays Landing, and passenger Luis Lopez-Bautista, also 20, of Mays Landing.
Lopez-Bautista was taken into custody on Thursday, April 9, and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Gardner has not surrendered and remains actively sought by police.
Both men face multiple charges, including unlawful possession of weapons, possession of weapons for an unlawful purpose, possession of prohibited devices, possession of firearms by individuals under 21, and receiving stolen property.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- Three unregistered handguns recovered after Hamilton Township traffic stop
- One suspect arrested while second remains at large
- Weapons included stolen firearm, hollow-point rounds, and extended magazine