A Guttenberg police officer who initiated a traffic stop for a driver talking on a cell phone yesterday busted him for being in possession of an unregistered handgun, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Yesterday at approximately 8:38 a.m., Police Officer Lesley Avila was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of 68th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, according to Police Chief Frank Pelaez.
During this time, she observed a Tesla traveling northbound on JFK Boulevard, driven by Javier Martinez-Moncada, a 41, of North Bergen, who was using his cell phone while operating the vehicle.
Avila initiated a traffic stop for the Title 39 Violation. As she approached the vehicle, she noticed the driver extending his hands outside the driver’s front window.
Inside the vehicle was a female passenger, who was later identified as the registered owner of the vehicle, and a juvenile. Police Officer Karleigh Noll arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and assisted Avila.
After collecting Martinez-Moncada’s driver’s license and documentation, officers conducted a records check. They discovered that Martinez-Moncada had an active traffic warrant out of the Guttenberg Municipal Court for $550.
Noll assisted Avila in arresting Martinez-Moncada due to an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, Martinez-Moncada told the officers in Spanish that he had a firearm in his vehicle.
In response, the occupants of the vehicle were ordered to exit. The North Bergen Police Department was contacted to confirm whether Martinez-Moncada had an active Firearms Identification Card or a Concealed Carry Permit.
They verified that he did not possess either in the State of New Jersey.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE .40 caliber handgun, which was equipped with a high-capacity magazine containing one 9mm Luger round.
Martinez-Moncada was then arrested and transported to the Guttenberg Police Department for processing.
He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, violation of firearm regulations; two separate counts of manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons; and certain persons not to have weapons.
Martinez-Moncada was also issued one traffic summons for use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicles.
He was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Center in Kearny, pending his first appearance in Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City.
“I would like to commend Police Officer Lesley Avila for her proactive efforts, as well as all the officers who assisted in this arrest. P.O. L. Avila’s actions reflect the dangerous work that officers undertake day in and day out,” Pelaez added.
“She successfully took an illegal firearm off the street, demonstrating her commitment to proactive policing. I want to thank her for her professionalism and dedication to keeping Guttenberg safe.