On 12/14/18 at 4:22p.m., Ptl. Jose Morales stopped a vehicle on Mill Street after observing a headlight out on a 2002 White Nissan Xterra.
During interaction with the driver, later identified to be Edwin F. Roman, Jr., age 36, of Bristol, Connecticut, Roman opened the glove compartment and Ptl. Morales observed objects within the glovebox which were suspected of being related to a firearm.
As a result, Ptl. Morales located two fully loaded magazines with a magazine holder in the glovebox. During a subsequent pat down of Roman, a fully loaded .45 caliber handgun with a holster was located in his front waistband. The handgun was a Springfield XPS. Roman was then arrested and charged with the following offenses:
2C:39-3f(1) Prohibited Weapons and Devices (Hollow Point bullets) (4th Degree)
2C:39-5b(1) Unlawful Possession of Weapons (Firearm) (2nd Degree)
2C:29-1a Obstruction (4th Degree)
Roman did not possess a New Jersey permit to carry the firearm and was lodged in the Sussex County Jail pending a future court appearance.
Investigating Officers:
Ptl. Jose Morales, Ptl. Scott Vertetis, Ptl. Scott King, DSG. Steve VanNieuwland