NEWS ALERT

Traffic Stop Results in Handgun and Drugs Recovered, 1 Arrested
For Immediate Release: May 8, 2023.

ATLANTIC CITY: On May 6, 2023, a car stop led to the arrest of a Pleasantville man and recovery of a handgun and drugs.

At 9:52 AM, detectives of the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Investigations Section were on roving patrol when they observed a vehicle, driven by Jonathan Lopez, commit several traffic violations. Detectives attempted to initiate a car stop in the 2800 block of Pacific Avenue, but the vehicle continued westbound eventually coming to a stop in the 3000 block of Pacific Avenue.

Contact was made with Lopez at which time he was removed from the vehicle for investigative purposes. Detectives recovered a loaded handgun in Lopez’s waistband and subsequently placed him in custody after a brief struggle. The recovered handgun had a high-capacity magazine that was loaded with hollow point bullets.

The continuing investigation led to a search of the vehicle where detectives located approximately 30 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 20 grams of suspected heroin, and a rubber stamper with blue ink pad. Detectives also seized approximately $479.00 in US currency believed to be proceeds of illegal narcotics sales.

The investigation was conducted by Detectives Nicholas Berardis, Eric Evan and Christopher Smith.

ARRESTED: Jonathan Lopez, 34, of Pleasantville, NJ.

CHARGES: Unlawful possession of weapon, possession of a weapon while committing a CDS transaction, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of hollow point ammunition, possession of CDS (two counts), resisting arrest, certain persons not to possess weapons, possession of CDS with intent to distribute (two Counts), distribution of CDS within 500 feet of public property (two counts), and possession of CDS distribution paraphernalia.

Lopez was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility. The public is reminded that charges are mere allegations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with information about the distribution of narcotics is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section at 609-347-5858 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD.

Atlantic City PBA Local #24