Bronx Teen In Stolen Car, With Loaded Gun Arrested In Secaucus

SECAUCUS, NJ — A 15-year-old teenager from the Bronx was found driving in a stolen car, and with a loaded gun, in Secaucus on Christmas Eve. The teen was arrested Christmas Eve, but the gun had been discarded and wasn't found until two days later, today, Dec. 26, where it had been discarded on Sixth Street, police said. A resident on Sixth Street found the gun.

The arrest was announced Wednesday, Dec. 26 by Secaucus police in a media alert. The teen was first stopped by police after other drivers reported him driving erratically on Rt. 3 east, and the teen admitted he had a loaded gun in the car, as well.

At approximately 7:53 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24 Secaucus police received a report of a black Jeep Cherokee with New York plates driving erratically in the area of the Shell gas station, at 300 Rt. 3 east.

Police officers responded and located a vehicle that fit the description on the 800 block of Sixth Street. As officers approached the Jeep, a 15-year-old male emerged from the driver’s seat and attempted to walk away. However, he was immediately stopped and questioned, police said.

During the investigation, it became known that the vehicle was confirmed to be stolen out of New York. The 15-year-old male, who was from the Bronx, was subsequently placed under arrest and found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and the key fob to the stolen vehicle, police said.

During his arrest, the teen indicated “some bullets” may be within the vehicle. During a search of the stolen vehicle, officers recovered .32 caliber and 9mm bullets along with a .32 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. The gun was not found on Christmas Eve.

However, on Wednesday, Dec. 26, a resident discovered the loaded 9mm handgun near the scene of the 15-year-old male's arrest on Sixth Street. Police would not reveal where exactly the resident found the handgun, citing the ongoing investigation.

"Police immediately recovered it," Secaucus police Capt. Dennis Miller said.

An investigation is ongoing to determine who discarded that handgun.

The 15 year old male, was charged with receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a handgun, unlawful possession of handgun ammunition, unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of marijuana and being an unlicensed driver. He was remanded to the Union County Youth House.

Google Earth photo of the Shell gas station on Rt. 3 in Secaucus.