Large Machete, Gun Found In Car During Traffic Stop: Stafford Police

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A motor vehicle stop early Friday in Stafford Township led to the arrest of a Florida man after police reported finding suspected drugs, paraphernalia and several weapons in his vehicle.

Stafford Township police said Patrolman O'Rourke and Patrolman Okinsky conducted the stop at about 12:44 a.m. Aug. 7 in the area of Route 9 North and Mary Bell Road. The driver was identified by police as Charles Clemons, 49, of Altha, Florida.

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According to the police department, during the stop O'Rourke and Okinsky developed suspicion that Clemons was in possession of a controlled dangerous substance inside the vehicle and or on his person.

Police reported that during a search of the vehicle, officers found a large machete, a fixed-blade knife and a Glock 19-style pistol.

Further investigation determined that the pistol was a CO2-powered firearm classified as a prohibited weapon, according to the police department. Police also reported that a continued search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and anabolic steroids.

Clemons was arrested and taken to the Stafford Township Police Department for processing, according to the police department. After processing, he was released on a complaint summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.