Police make arrests on weapons charges

LONG BRANCH — City police arrested and charged four people for possessing weapons following a motor vehicle stop.

On Feb. 1 at approximately midnight, Long Branch detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop on Broadway near Branchport Avenue, and during the vehicle stop police recovered a semiautomatic handgun from within the vehicle, according to police reports.

The four individuals in the car were arrested and charged with several offenses, according to reports, which state that police also seized a Lincoln vehicle for forfeiture.

Police arrested and charged Michael Seward Jr., 25, of Neptune, with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a defaced firearm, and certain person to not possess a firearm. His bail was set at $10,000 with no 10 percent option.

Police also arrested and charged Gladys Dean, 47, and Demond Ballard, 36, both of Englewood, with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a defaced firearm, certain person to not possess a firearm, and multiple contempt of court warrants

Dean’s bail was set at $10,000 with no 10 percent option, and bail was set at $15,000 with no 10 percent option for Ballard.

Also arrested was Sheron Caldwell, 21, of Wall, who was the owner of the seized vehicle. Caldwell was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a defaced firearm.

During the motor vehicle stop, a van carrying family members of the accused converged on the scene, shouting profanities at officers and obstructing the investigation, according to reports.

After several warnings to leave the area, four of the family members were arrested.

Police arrested and charged Lakesha King, 28, of Long Branch, with disorderly conduct. King was released on a summons.

Also arrested was Marcus Seward, 21, of Neptune, and Keith Cooper, 29, of Long Branch. They were both charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing the administration of law and were both released on summonses.

Police also arrested and charged Maurice White, 25, of Long Branch, with disorderly persons and contempt of court warrants. White’s bail was set at $2,500 with no 10 percent option.