Instagram Post Leads To Weapons Charge Against Wayne Teen

WAYNE, NJ — A township man was arrested after police investigated an Instagram post that showed him brandishing a handgun, authorities said.

Christopher S. Ruby, 18, was charged with possession of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of hypodermic needles, Martin said.

Wayne Police were informed of the post Wednesday by a concerned citizen and immediately began investigating, Detective Capt. Laurence Martin said. A local resident informed police of the post.

Police investigated and learned that the person, later identified as Ruby, previously resided in Florida and "had prior interactions" with law enforcement officials there, said Martin.

Police obtained a search warrant to search Ruby's Hamburg Turnpike home where they found a .32-caliber, seven-shot Arminus Model HWD handgun, Martin said. The gun had a broken trigger guard and electrical tape wrapped around the handle, he said.

Police also found 25 sealed syringes, a small glass bottle labeled as "Sustanon 250" that had an anabolic steroid in it, a glass bong with suspected marijuana reside, two marijuana grinders with suspected marijuana residue, two large plastic bags containing suspected marijuana residue, Martin said.

Ruby's sister, Alyssa, 18, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, Martin said.

Police moved quickly after being notified of the social media post.

"Within hours of initiating this investigation, the name and address of the potential suspect was identified, his background was thoroughly vetted, undercover surveillance of his activity was conducted, court ordered search warrants were obtained and a subsequent search of his residence resulted in the recovery of the same illegal firearm," Martin said. "As a result of seizing this weapon and arresting the suspect, we believe potential future criminal act involving this weapon and another tragic circumstance was averted."

Martin said that although Christopher Ruby never "made any directed threats," the content of the "disturbing image was investigated in a timely manner for the purpose of ensuring public safety of our community residents."

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Photos: Christopher S. Ruby, 18, and Alyssa M. Ruby, 18/Wayne Township Police Department