The Hoboken Police Department arrested three men last week, recovering a handgun, crack cocaine, heroin, and drug paraphernalia, officials said today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Our officers responded quickly and professionally to a potentially dangerous situation,” Police Chief Steven Aguiar said in a statement.
“Through their efforts and strong investigative work, they were able to remove illegal drugs and a firearm from our streets, while maintaining the safety of everyone involved. I thank our officers and detectives for showing up for the residents of Hoboken each and every day.”
On March 24th at about 11:30 p.m., Hoboken police officers responded to the 200 block of Harrison Street on reports of a physical dispute inside an apartment, with one of individual seen brandishing a handgun, according to public safety spokeswoman Marci Rubin.
Upon arrival, officers located and detained 21-year-old Tahjmir Mitchell, of Hoboken. A search incident to arrest found him to be in possession of 24 bags of crack cocaine, six wax folds of heroin, and drug paraphernalia.
An on-scene investigation led to the additional arrests of 21-year-old Justin Villafane, of Hoboken, who was found with 20 wax folds of suspected heroin, as well as 38-year-old Thomas Bates, of Hoboken, who was in possession of a loaded handgun.
The weapon, identified as a Ruger semi-automatic handgun, was safely secured by police.
Mitchell and Villafane were charged with multiple narcotics-related offenses, including possession with intent to distribute CDS. Mitchell also faces weapons-related charges.
Bates was charged with multiple weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of prohibited ammunition, as well as resisting arrest and obstruction.
All three individuals were processed at the Hoboken Police Department and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
“I commend the Hoboken Police Department for their swift and safe response. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers illegal firearms pose to our community. It also underscores the risks associated with illegal drugs,” added Mayor Emily Jabbour.
“I remain committed to advancing policies that keep illegal guns and narcotics out of Hoboken, and ensure our community remains a safe place to live.”
Responding officers included Det. Paul Quinn, and Police Officers Mark Mooreman, Christopher Barral, Matthew Bonanno, Anthony Hochstadter, Alexander Miller, Rose Kannan, Enrico Gnassi, Ahmed Makshat, Vincent Guastini, Christopher Soto, Marvin DeJesus, Adrian Comayagua, David Smentkowski, Anthony Olivera, Alyssa Rivera, and Anthony Ingraffia.
Anyone with information on, or concerns about this type of crime, is encouraged to contact the Hoboken PD at (201) 420-2100.
