MONROE — A township man was arrested Feb. 3 on charges of illegal possession of prescription medication and possession of a firearm.
Monroe Patrolman John Zupan was on patrol at 4:45 p.m. when he observed a vehicle drive into the Applegarth Road parkand ride lot, loop around and exit back onto Applegarth Road. After running the vehicle’s license plate on his mobile computer, Zupan found that an active warrant was in effect for $500 out of Monroe for the registered owner. He then conducted a motor vehicle stop at the Monroe Town Center parking lot.
According to Monroe police, the driver, Garrett Black, 19, of Disbrow Hill Road, told the officer that he was the registered owner of the car, but that he could not find the credentials. Black allegedly told the officer that they might be in the trunk, and sought permission to check. Zupan allowed Black to look in the truck, but when Black opened it, Zupan saw a black handgun in plain view, police said. The officer then placed Black under arrest for the active warrant.
Police said the firearm was determined to be a BB gun.
During a search of the car, police found pills that were reported to be Saboxon, but Black did not have a prescription for them. A prescription bottle was also located and contained other unidentified pills, police said.
Black was transported to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center, North Brunswick, with bail set at $15,000.