A Linden man was caught with a loaded gun as he was being busted for drunk driving in Hoboken early Saturday morning, officials said this afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Every illegally possessed weapon taken off the streets, is a step in the right direction. This arrest reaffirms the city’s commitment to addressing gun violence in and around our community,” Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante said in a statement.
On Saturday, February 7, at approximately 3:05 a.m., Police Officer Shawn Sodora observed a vehicle blocking the road near the intersection of Third and Hudson Streets.
During a traffic stop, he observed the driver, later identified as Thery Camilus, 25, of Linden, stumble while walking. Sodora also observed multiple open containers of alcoholic beverages in the vehicle, authorities said.
Police Officers Geovanni Cruzado and Zackary Guido arrived on the scene to assist. After a field sobriety test, Camilus was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters.
During an on-scene investigation into the DWI, officers located a loaded magazine inside the vehicle and a 9mm Glock 45 handgun in the trunk. It was determined the gun was not registered to Camilus, and he was additionally charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
Camilus was issued multiple summonses related to the driving while intoxicated charge.
Those included reckless driving, prohibition of open or unsealed alcoholic beverage containers in a motor vehicle, delaying traffic, tinted windows, failure to inspect, and failure to consent to taking breath samples, and he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility on the weapons offense.
“This case is a true example of outstanding police work. Because of the officer’s diligence, what began as a traffic stop, ended with a loaded, illegally possessed firearm off the streets, keeping Hoboken safe for all,” added Police Chief Steven Aguiar.
“This arrest underscores why proactive policing and strong gun safety laws matter. An unregistered firearm in the wrong hands puts everyone at risk. I am grateful to the Hoboken Police Department for their vigilance and commitment to keeping our community safe,” noted Mayor Emily Jabbour.
