Stolen Loaded Gun, Crack Cocaine Found In Cranford Traffic Stop: Police

CRANFORD, NJ — A man who police say had drugs and a loaded guy during a motor vehicle stop on Centennial Avenue was arrested early Wednesday morning.

Cranford Officers Ryan McSharry and Jason Ingram were in the area of Centennial Avenue and Cayuga Road around 1:14 a.m. when they saw a black 2008 Nissan Maxima with dark windows failing to stay in its lane.

The police pulled over the Nissan on Centennial Ave. near Raritan Road. At the time of the initial stop, the driver gave fake information to the officers. He was later identified as Kevin Artis, 27, of Edison.

Officers found that Artis had an outstanding warrant for an arrest outside of Woodbridge and a check of his car found crack cocaine and a loaded .40 Caliber firearm.

The gun was found to be previously stolen out of Jacksonville, Florida, said police.

Artis was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, third-degree certain person not to have weapons, third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree possession of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) crack cocaine, possession of CDS paraphernalia and hindering apprehension.

In addition, Artis was issued motor vehicle summonses for being an unlicensed driver, having a suspended license, failing to signal, failing to maintain a lane, having CDS in a motor vehicle and having improper window tint.

Artis was sent to Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

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