EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Two men were charged with weapons and drug offenses after East Brunswick police found a loaded handgun, a large-capacity magazine and suspected marijuana in a vehicle parked at a Route 18 motel Wednesday, police said.
Around 11:38 p.m. on Wednesday, East Brunswick Police Department Patrolmen Edward Mironski and Michael Miszkiewicz saw an occupied motor vehicle in the parking lot of Studio 6, located at 246 Highway 18, police said. After observing violations, officers spoke with the vehicle's occupants and, during the investigation, developed reasonable suspicion that led them to request a narcotics-detection K-9.
Middlesex County Sheriff's Officer Kevin Mastroserio responded with his K-9 partner, Jester. Following a positive indication from Jester, officers searched the vehicle and recovered a loaded Glock 43 handgun, a large-capacity drum magazine, approximately one-half pound of suspected marijuana, a digital scale and packaging materials consistent with distribution of controlled dangerous substances, police said.
Edwin Rojas, 32, of New Brunswick, and Kevin Rodriguez, 24, of Bordentown, were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense, certain persons not to have weapons, distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine.
Both were taken to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending further court proceedings.
A third occupant, Kason Cole, 21, of Edison, was found to have an outstanding warrant issued by Woodbridge Township. Cole was taken into custody and turned over to the Woodbridge Police Department
Police Chief Frank LoSacco commended the officers involved.
"Patrolmen Mironski and Miszkiewicz demonstrated the type of proactive policing that plays an important role in keeping our community safe," LoSacco said. "Their observations and investigation resulted in the removal of a loaded handgun, a large-capacity magazine, and a significant quantity of suspected marijuana from our community. I commend these officers, as well as the K-9 team that assisted them, for their professionalism and attention to detail."
Police said the department continues to experience a significant demand for services at the Studio 6 and Motel 6 properties, requiring a substantial commitment of patrol and investigative resources. Since Jan. 1, officers have responded to the properties multiple times per day, taking more than 750 police reports. Computer-aided dispatch statistics show more than 2,500 police, fire and emergency medical services resources have been dispatched to incidents at the locations so far in 2026, according to police.
"Our officers have responded to these properties with concerning frequency for incidents involving criminal activity and other calls requiring police intervention," LoSacco said. "These repeated calls place a strain on police resources and remain a public safety concern. We will continue to use proactive enforcement and investigative efforts to address criminal activity occurring at these locations and throughout East Brunswick."
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Brunswick Police Department at 732-390-6900.
Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
East Brunswick Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.