Assault Rifles, Ammo, Weed Found In Long Branch Bust: Police

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Authorities found assault rifles, ammo and marijuana during a Friday morning bust, according to Long Branch police. Police found weapons and seven bags of marijuana in a vehicle before finding more at one of the suspect's homes, said Chief Jason Roebuck.

Police responded to 4th Avenue at 10:57 for a report of two people sitting in a vehicle with a "machine gun." Ptahhetep Reynoso and the second individual split up and tried walking away before police caught them, Roebuck said.

Police found that Reynoso had an AK-47 rifle, a loaded 30-round magazine, 55 rounds of .380 pistol ammo and seven clear bags of marijuana. The second individual also had marijuana, and both were arrested, police said.

Authorities obtained consent to search Reynoso's house on 4th Avenue. Inside, they found a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 pistol, more magazines and ammunition, two founds of marijuana, a scale, a vacuum sealer and $1,320 in cash, police said.

Reynoso, 24, was charged with the following:

• possession of a weapon while committing a drug crime
• possession of an assault firearm
• possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana with intent to distribute
• unlawful handgun possession
• possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• failure to have a firearms ID for the rifle
• transport of sawed-off shotgun/rifle
• possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana
• possession of a sawed-off shotgun/rifle
• possession of a large-capacity magazine

Authorities jailed Reynoso at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The second individual was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and was released on a summons.

Long Branch police have experienced lower call volumes during the new-coronavirus pandemic, Roebuck said.

"I would also like to thank ALL our officers and First Responders who have been on the front lines during the COVID19 pandemic," he said in a statement. "We appreciate all the daily sacrifices you have made and continue to make during this unprecedented time in our history."

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