Howell DWI Checkpoint Nets Philly Man With Gun, Hollow-Point Bullets: Police

HOWELL, NJ -- A Philadelphia man is facing weapons and drug charges after a .44-caliber handgun loaded with hollow-point bullets was found in his car during a DWI checkpoint stop in Howell Friday night, police said.

Eric J. Tapia-Ortiz, 28, of Philadelphia, has been charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, unlawful possession of a weapon in an automobile, possession of marijuana and use or possession of marijuana with intent to use, Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said. Tapia-Ortiz also was issued a motor vehicle summons for operating a motor vehicle in possession of CDS by arresting officer Patrolman Nicholas Saltzman, Kudrick said.

Tapia-Ortiz was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution but has since posted the $80,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

Kudrick said the checkpoint was conducted by Howell police in conjunction with the Monmouth County DWI Strike Force. Other arrests during the checkpoint were as follows:

• Meghan Sullivan, 23, of Marlboro, was arrested on a charge of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, the chief said. Sullivan was processed and released pending court. The arresting officer was Patrolman Nicholas Austin.
• Christopher McHugh, 21, of Milburn, was arrested on an active warrant out of Newark, Kudrick said. He was processed and released after posting bail. McHugh also was issued a motor vehicle summons for driving while suspended. The arresting officer was Patrolman Nicholas Bondarew.
• A 17-year-old male was arrested on a charge of being under the influence of marijuana, Kudrick said. He was processed and released pending court. The arresting officer was Ryan Richards.