A Georgia man sleeping in his car at the Sam’s Club parking lot in Secaucus was caught with an unregistered handgun and rifle yesterday, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Joseph A. White, 28, of Loganville, Georgia, was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, unlawful possession of a rifle, two counts of possession of a weapon for
unlawful purpose, possession of a hollow point bullets, unlawful transport of firearms and a violation of the regulatory provisions relating to firearms, according to Police Capt. Dennis Miller.
Yesterday at approximately 8:48 a.m., Police Officers Kiril Petrov and Dillon Genatt were
checking on the well-being of a person who appeared to be sleeping in his vehicle in the Sam’s Club parking lot, located at 300 Park Plaza Drive, authorities said.
The vehicle was parked and had fictitious license plates. After confirming that the man was in good health, the officers initiated an investigation regarding the fictitious license plates on the vehicle, officials said.
While conducting the investigation, the officers noticed the butt of a loaded .357 magnum revolver protruding out from underneath the driver’s seat, which was seized, police said.
According to authorities, a search of the vehicle also uncovered a .38 special/.357 magnum “lever action†rifle on the second row seat along with over one hundred rounds of handgun ammunition of various calibers.
Police Chief Kevin Flaherty commended Officers Petrov and Genatt for their attention to detail.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Officer Petrov’s and Genatt’s diligence made Secaucus a little safer by getting these guns off the street.â€