Essex County Sheriff’s Office

NEWS RELEASE

April 17, 2018

Contact: Sheriff Armando Fontoura (973) 621-4105

Newark – A reputed member of the Almighty Latin Kings street gang was arrested Monday night on weapons charges by Essex County Sheriff’s detectives.

Sheriff Armando Fontoura stated that officers from his department’s Bureau of Narcotics were conducting a plainclothes operation in the area of Verona Avenue and Summer Avenue shortly before midnight when they observed a suspect, later identified as Jamil Duran, 21 of Newark, walking west on Verona Avenue while carrying a large duffle bag.

“The officers immediately recognized the barrel of a rifle sticking out of the duffle bag,” Sheriff Fontoura noted.  “Exiting their vehicle and displaying their badges, Duran was ordered to drop his weapon.”

Instead, Duran attempted to discard the weapon by throwing it underneath a parked vehicle.  The weapon was recovered and identified as a .22 caliber Mossberg rifle.

“Our team of officers acted swiftly, recovering the weapon and rendering it safe. They then placed the suspect under arrest without further incident,” Fontoura said.

To date, Duran has been charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon.  The suspect was lodged at the county jail where he awaits a bail hearing on last night’s charges.