Newark police seize 3 loaded guns, charge 3 suspects

NEWARK, NJ — Three loaded handguns were seized and three men arrested in separate incidents of illegal weapons possession on Monday, Nov. 7.

Eugene Lespier, 19, of Belleville, was arrested in the 400-block of Parker Street, after police responded to a call for a vehicle blocking a driveway. Officers located the suspect inside the vehicle along with a female friend. When the suspect exited the car to provide the officers with its credentials, they observed a handgun in the pocket of his jacket.

Officers seized a loaded .32-caliber handgun from Lespier, who was arrested without incident. He is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon – defaced firearm.

Deon A. Merchant, 18, of Newark, was arrested in the 300-block of Wainwright Street. Detectives investigating an earlier incident of shots fired in the area of Leslie Street and Chancellor Avenue observed a group of men drinking liquor outside a vehicle. As detectives approached, Merchant fled on foot, tossing a handgun in the 400-block of Leslie Street. He continued running into the backyard of a residence on Wainwright, where he was apprehended and arrested without incident.

The tossed .32-caliber handgun was found to be loaded and was seized by police. Merchant is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, obstructing the administration of the law and resisting arrest by flight.

Ahmad K. Ford, 22, of Newark, was arrested on Hayes Street near Springfield Avenue. Police were patrolling the area in response to complaints from residents about drug activity when they observed Ford handling a bag and walking toward a parked taxi, while ignoring police orders to stop. He was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun, 53 glassine envelopes of suspected heroin and $1,329.

Ford is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance – heroin, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of a public library, possession of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon while committing a controlled dangerous substance offense and certain persons prohibited from weapon possession.

“Removing illegal guns and drugs from our streets is essential to maintaining the safety of our residents and visitors,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. “I commend the detectives and officers who put themselves at risk on behalf of the city of Newark in making these arrests.”

  Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose