Secaucus Security Guard Found With Loaded Gun In Mahwah: Police

SECAUCUS, NJ — A security guard at a Route 17 truck stop in Mahwah was arrested after police found him with a loaded .22-caliber handgun and a gravity knife, police said.

Detective Eric Larsen went to the truck stop to investigate Timothy M. Prahm, 58, of Secaucus, who was telling people he worked as an armed security guard, said Chief James Batelli.

Larsen found Prahm wearing a Jersey City Police Department T-shirt, navy blue tactical pants, police-style boots, a silver paramedic's badge, the chief said.

Larsen asked Prahm if he owned a firearm and his behavior changed and he got nervous, Batelli said. Larsen found a gravity knife on Prahm's right hip and a loaded .22-caliber handgun in his pants pocket, he said.

Prahm was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Prahm has no connection with the Jersey City Police Department. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail. Police are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Photo: Timothy M. Prahm, 58, of Secaucus (Mahwah Police Department)