Tuckerton Resident Charged After Handgun And Bullets Found In Vehicle

TUCKERTON, NJ — Three people, including a Tuckerton resident, were arrested after a loaded handgun and heroin and cocaine packaged for sale were found in a vehicle pulled over by Brick Township Street Crimes detectives on Friday, police said.

Desiree Ruffino, 25, was arrested along with Kiana Craig, 20, of Brick and an unnamed juvenile were arrested at about 8:30 p.m. after the motor vehicle stop, Sgt. Jim Kelly said.

Police pulled over the vehicle near Maple Avenue and Herbertsville Road as they were investigating suspicious activity at the Maple Leaf Apartment Complex, Kelly said.

Found in the vehicle was a Glock 17 handgun that was loaded with a 30-round high-capacity magazine containing hollow-point bullets, Kelly said. A second magazine that was found was loaded with a mixture of rounds, some of which were armor-piercing, he said.

Detectives also found heroin, cocaine and crack that were packaged for resale, drug paraphernalia and knives, Kelly said.

All three face multiple charges.

Craig and Ruffino were charged with distribution of heroin, cocaine, and crack; three counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS); possession of drug paraphernalia; obstructing justice; possession of prohibited ammunition; possession of a weapon while committing a drug offense; possession of a large-capacity magazine; unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of weapons, Kelly said.

Ruffino also was charged with several motor vehicle summonses, including operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, driving while suspended, fictitious plates, possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle, and other moving violations.

Detectives seized the vehicle and three cellular phones, and Craig and Ruffino were taken to the Ocean County Jail.

Kelly said the juvenile was arrested said further information "is being withheld due to their status as a minor."

"Chief James Riccio commends the Street Crimes Unit for taking another illegal gun off the street, and for their diligent work in the face of such dangerous circumstances," Kelly said.