SHERIFF’S OFFICERS CONDUCT MOTOR VEHICLE STOP AND MAKE SIGNIFICANT ARREST
Monmouth County Sheriff’s officers made a significant arrest after they pulled over a drunk driver and found a stolen, loaded handgun.
Officers Sean O’Neill and Henry Muller were working in Asbury Park Thursday night, when they noticed Travis Clayton, 20, of Neptune, make an illegal turn on Heck and Borden Avenues. The red Chevy Malibu he was driving had broken lights in the rear of the vehicle. Clayton who was in the car with three passengers was pulled over on Ridge and Washington Avenues. Once sheriff’s officers approached the car they smelled alcohol and proceeded to conduct a sobriety test on Clayton, which he failed. Upon searching the vehicle, a stolen loaded, handgun was recovered.
Clayton was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, receiving stolen property, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, as well as other charges.
“This arrest may have prevented a violent crime in one of our neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Kim Guadagno. “I commend these officers who work day and night to put criminals where they belong, behind bars.”
Clayton is in the Monmouth County Jail awaiting initial appearance.
Asbury Park police assisted with the arrest.
The investigation is continuing and additional arrests may follow.