CLIFTON, NJ – In a late-night traffic stop on December 5, Clifton police arrested a passenger after a tense confrontation. The individual, identified as 24-year-old Jashamir Hardiman of Newark, was found carrying a semiautomatic handgun with an extended 27-round magazine.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when Officer Nicholas Garruto, along with Sgt. Andrew Mulick, Sgt. Alexander Zamora, and Officer Floilan Martinez, stopped a purple 2013 Dodge Charger on Main Avenue near the Passaic city line. The stop was initiated following several observed violations.
Hardiman, who was in the rear seat, refused to exit the vehicle upon request and displayed erratic behavior, according to Clifton Police Lt. Robert Anderson. During a struggle with Sgt. Mulick, Hardiman was removed from the car. A patdown revealed the handgun tucked into his waistband.
Additionally, officers seized a second gun with a 33-round magazine, containing mixed standard and hollow-point bullets, from a cross-body style bag in the car. Both 9mm Polymer80 handguns were found to have their serial numbers removed. Hardiman and two companions were arrested in the operation