Man Found With Stolen Gun In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — A man carrying a stolen gun was apprehended by police in Red Bank Monday, said police in that town.

At approximately 6:38 p.m. Monday, Red Bank Police received a 911 call reporting a Hispanic man in the area of the Windmill, 22 North Bridge Avenue, who was in possession of a handgun.

"The caller was very specific and described the male as wearing a white tank top and multi-colored pants," said police. "The caller described witnessing the male subject remove a black semi-automatic handgun from his right pants pocket as he sat near the Windmill."

Ptl. Jeff Lewandowski arrived on scene and observed a person fitting the description sitting on a wall just north of the Windmill.

Lewandowski immediately recognized the man as Edgar Moran-Rivera from prior police contacts, and began engaging with him in a conversation. As additional officers, Lt. Ehrenreich and Lt. Kennedy arrived on scene, Lt. Ehrenreich noticed a bulge in Moran-Rivera’s front right pants pocket that resembled the outline of a handgun.

As Lt. Ehrenreich got closer, he immediately pulled on Moran-Riveras pocket and was able to observe the handle to a gun. Lt. Ehrenreich immediately grabbed hold of the weapon and removed it from his pocket as Ptl. Lewandowksi took control of Moran-Rivera. A brief struggle ensued, and Moran-Rivera was subsequently placed under arrest.

Although it is unknown as to why Moran-Rivera had the weapon, further investigation revealed that the weapon was reported stolen out of Ohio. The weapon was a .380 Smith & Wesson body style handgun with a laser attachment.

Moran-Rivera was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest and Receiving Stolen Property. Moran-Rivera was later housed in the Monmouth County Correctional Institute awaiting court.