Following a motor vehicle stop, three individuals were arrested on weapons and narcotics offenses, after officers located two loaded handguns and narcotics inside the vehicle.
On November 5, 2017 at approximately 2302hrs., Officer Michael O’Neil conducted a motor vehicle stop of a 1996 Ford in the area of Raritan Road @ Moen Avenue, after the officer observed multiple equipment violations on the vehicle. As Officer O’Neil began to approach the vehicle, two individuals exited the vehicle and fled the area on foot. Following an investigation at the scene, O’Neil located a loaded .45 Caliber Glock Handgun, a loaded .357 Revolver, and marijuana inside the vehicle. Two occupants were immediately taken into custody. With the assistance of the Linden Police Department and Union County Sheriff Department’s K-9 Unit, a third individual was located in a rear yard of a Linden residence.
The arrested are as follows:
- Taquan Bowden, 23, Linden
- Tashawn Sullivan, 22, Newark
- Kevin Artis Jr., 23, Edison
Bowden and Sullivan were charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, Possession of Marijuana(Under 50 grams), and Possession of Paraphernalia. Bowden was also issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while suspended, possessing a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, unclear license plates, failure to inspect, unapproved window tint, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle
Artis Jr. was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
All three were transported to Union County Jail pending a detention hearing in Union County Superior Court.
Cranford Police Detectives are continuing the investigation into the identity of the fourth suspect, and the origin of the recovered firearms.
