Police Officer Recognized For Arrest In Abington

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — It was a traffic stop that led to so much more for a police officer who received a commendation from the Abington Township Police Department.

The police department recognized Police Officer Janelle Hunt for her work, which began with a traffic stop at 3:03 p.m. on July 19, 2025.

The traffic stop started with a vehicle being pulled over for the violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.

Hunt made contact with the vehicle’s driver and two passengers. During the interaction, she detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed marijuana residue on the center console.

Upon the arrival of backup officers, Hunt gained consent to search the vehicle, the police department said.

During the search, Hunt located a backpack in the rear seat that contained a handgun with a loaded magazine and an obliterated serial number. As a result of her findings, the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Further investigation by Abington Police revealed that the firearm was linked to an aggravated assault that occurred in Philadelphia in 2024.

"As a result of Officer Hunt’s commitment to proactive policing and reliance on her training and experience, she was able to successfully remove an illegal firearm from the street, making a direct and meaningful contribution to the safety and well-being of the community," the police department said.