TRENTON, N.J. — Wednesday — A Florida man is facing multiple state weapons charges after authorities say he left a suitcase containing an assault rifle and ammunition in Newark Penn Station and was later arrested at the Trenton Transit Center with more high-powered firearms — including a booby-trapped rifle that discharged during the search.
Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, was indicted on charges including aggravated assault, possession of assault weapons, silencers, large-capacity magazines, and endangering public safety, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Wednesday.
“This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers,” said Platkin. “If not for the outstanding police work done in this matter, we can only imagine where this defendant and these weapons would have ended up.”
The investigation began on January 3, when NJ Transit Police discovered an unattended zebra-print suitcase near the McDonald’s in Newark Penn Station. Inside, officers found a loaded Girsan Regard MC handgun, boxes of ammunition, and a black AK-47 style rifle with a round in the chamber and multiple loaded magazines.
Surveillance footage showed a man, later identified as Kennerk, leaving the suitcase behind before boarding an Amtrak train bound for Virginia.
Police intercepted the train in Trenton, where officers questioned and then arrested Kennerk as he attempted to board another train.
Weapons cache included illegal firearms and silencers
A search of Kennerk’s maroon suitcase in Trenton revealed several disassembled and fully assembled firearms, extended magazines, boxes of ammunition, and multiple silencers.
Among the weapons was an AR-15 style rifle and a loaded .300 AAC Blackout rifle, which discharged when officers attempted to secure it — despite no contact with the trigger — suggesting the weapon had been rigged.
Authorities also recovered 10 baffle cups used with silencers and hollow-point ammunition. No injuries were reported during the arrest or search, but law enforcement officials described the arsenal as a significant public threat.
“This case highlights the critical importance of effective law enforcement collaboration,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The firearms seized in this case were illegal and presented a grave threat to public safety.”
Key Points
- Jeffrey Kennerk was indicted for weapons and assault charges after being arrested at Trenton Transit Center.
- Police say he left a suitcase with firearms in Newark Penn Station and had a booby-trapped rifle in his luggage.
- The charges include possession of assault weapons, silencers, large magazines, and endangering public safety.
Kennerk faces second-degree charges punishable by five to 10 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines, and fourth-degree charges carrying up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Booby-trapped rifle among weapons seized from man traveling with loaded arsenal through NJ rail system.