Stolen Gun With Illegal 'Switch' Found On Mercer Co. Man, Police Say

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A 23-year-old Trenton man was arrested Monday night after police say he was found in possession of a handgun modified to fire automatically.

Officers were patrolling the area of Hamilton Avenue and Division Street, near Unity Square Park, at approximately 10:15 p.m. Monday when they found two men walking near the playground area, Trenton Police Department said. Officers exited their vehicle to issue a summons for being in the park after hours.

One of the men, identified as Felix Delacruz, was seen shoving an object into his waistband in an apparent attempt to conceal it from police, according to the release. When confronted by officers, Delacruz fled on foot and was taken into custody after a brief chase.

Police said Delacruz was found in possession of a black Glock Gen19 semi-automatic handgun modified with a "switch" to give it fully automatic capabilities. The weapon's magazine was capable of holding 31 rounds, according to the release. A canvass of the area also produced a quantity of suspected marijuana.

Delacruz was taken to Trenton Police Headquarters, where he was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a high-capacity magazine, receiving stolen property, certain persons not to possess weapons, being in a park after hours, obstruction of the administration of law, and resisting arrest, according to police.

A search of the firearm revealed it had been reported stolen from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, police said.

Charges are accusations, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

For more information, contact Captain David Ordille, public information officer, at 609-989-4152 or 609-414-5756.

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