BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ — A routine traffic stop conducted by the Brick Township Police Street Crimes Unit on January 8 uncovered drugs, a defaced firearm, and other evidence, leading to the arrests of two individuals and the seizure of narcotics and weapons.
Officers followed a suspicious vehicle spotted near Lanes Mill Road, stopping it in Lakewood for multiple traffic violations. The driver was identified as Kayshon D. Johnson of Brick Township, with Raul Mendez Cervantes Jr. of Lakewood and a juvenile also inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle, assisted by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit, revealed approximately 39 grams of crack cocaine, a small quantity of soft cocaine, a loaded defaced .40 caliber Ruger handgun with its serial number scratched off, and additional evidence including prescription ledger blanks, a digital scale, and another loaded magazine.
Johnson was charged with multiple offenses, including distribution of controlled dangerous substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a defaced firearm, and endangering the welfare of a minor. Cervantes was arrested for outstanding warrants from several jurisdictions. Both were transported to the Ocean County Jail.
Chief David Forrester praised the coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession, reiterating the department’s commitment to protecting the community.