Loaded Gun Found In Trash Can After Mercer Man Seen Discarding Weapon, Police Say

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — A Trenton man was arrested early Sunday after officers responding to reports of gunshots observed him discard a firearm into a trash can, police said.

Patrol Officers Chaz Cason and Joseph Framo were in the area of North Broad and Perry Streets around 12:58 a.m. when they heard several shots fired, according to the Trenton Police Department. While searching the area, officers found Robert M. Rivera, 34, leaving the area and discarding a firearm into a garbage can.

Officers recovered a loaded .38 Special Rohm Revolver with several spent casings from the trash can. A search incident to Rivera's arrest revealed additional bullets and suspected Buprenorphine/Naloxone Sublingual in his possession, police said. A sweep of the area found no victims or injuries.

Rivera was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, certain person not to possess a weapon, possession of hollow point rounds, possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, resisting arrest and hindering apprehension.

He was lodged pending transport to the Mercer County Workhouse.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com