SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Police recover handgun

A loaded handgun was recovered by police following a traffic stop on the morning of Jan. 15.

By Ed Birch, Special Writer
   A loaded handgun was recovered by police following a traffic stop on the morning of Jan. 15.
   ”This is the third fully loaded handgun recovered off a traffic stop in the past six weeks” said Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. “The officers are doing an excellent job at getting these weapons off our streets. The seizure of these weapons just highlight the risks of everyday car stops.”
   Police reported that Officer Salvatore Fama stopped a blue Acura driven by Lavarr Parker, 30, of Rahway at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 15. Mr. Parker was headed north on U.S. Route 1 and he pulled over at the Malouf Ford dealership. The car was stopped because it was unregistered, police said.
   Officer Fama smelled burned marijuana when he approached the car. Police said Mr. Parker admitted smoking marijuana in the car, which was impounded and taken to police headquarters.
   A search of the car uncovered a loaded Glock .22-caliber handgun under the driver’s seat along with a small amount of marijuana.
   Police charged Mr. Parker with unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. In addition, police said Mr. Parker had a several outstanding traffic warrants.
   Mr. Parker was taken to the Middlesex County Correction Center in lieu of $50,000 bail.