Foot Chase, Loaded Gun Found After Rt. 18 Traffic Stop

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A car stop on Rt. 18 Wednesday night in East Brunswick led to a brief foot chase near the Turnpike toll plaza and the recovery of a loaded 9mm handgun, said police.

East Brunswick police said they initially noticed the car in question at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, when the silver 2011 BMW failed to signal while making a turn onto Rt. 18 south from Tower Center Blvd.

The BMW then exited Rt. 18 towards the New Jersey Turnpike toll plaza, where police pulled the BMW over.

Prior to the BMW coming to a stop, the rear seat passenger opened the door and fled from the vehicle. Patrolman Matthew Egnasko gave chase to the suspect while Ptl. Ryan Welch stayed with the occupants of the vehicle.

Egnasko was able to apprehend the passenger, identified as Charles Davis, 33, of New Brunswick, and take him into custody following a brief struggle. Following the arrest of Davis, he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun.

The remaining occupants of the vehicle, Rashaan Paige, 36, of Sayreville and Sonja Joseph, 38, of Somerset, were charged with possession of marijuana.

Davis was charged with weapons charges, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and possession of marijuana. Both Paige and Joseph were charged with possession of marijuana. Additionally, Paige had outstanding warrants from multiple jurisdictions. All three were remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.