Loaded Gun Found In Rt. 1 Traffic Stop, South Brunswick Police Say

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A routine Rt. 1 traffic stop Saturday night resulted in the arrest of a Monmouth Junction man and the recovery of a loaded handgun, South Brunswick police announced.

Police Officer Ricardo Moreira was on patrol on Rt. 1, on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11:19 p.m. when he observed a red Nissan Altima turn onto Blackhorse Lane and fail to use a turn signal. He pulled the car over and then discovered that the driver, Jordan Smith, 23, of Monmouth Junction, had an active traffic warrant out for his arrest.

Smith was placed under arrest for the warrant and was searched. During the search Officer Moreira said he located a loaded Lorcin 25 caliber handgun hidden inside Smith’s pants, near his calf. Officers at the scene then searched the car and said they found prescription medication inside a small Zip lock bag, which Smith did not have a prescription for.

He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unauthorized possession of prescription medication, and was lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center without bail pending his first court appearance.

"Officer Moreira did an excellent job at getting a loaded gun off our streets. The seizure of the weapon just highlights the risks of everyday car stops," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. Photo of Jordan Smith released by South Brunswick police.