2 Vineland, NJ, Men Arrested After Franklin Twp. Traffic Stop

• Police say a vehicle sped past an officer at over 100 MPH in Franklin Township
• The driver was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving
• A stolen handgun with a high-capacity magazine was allegedly found inside

Overnight Traffic Stop in Franklin Township

Two men from Vineland are in trouble with the law following an overnight traffic stop in Gloucester County.

The Franklin Township Police Department said that at about 2:15 early Saturday morning, one of their officers observed a vehicle traveling at over 100 MPH in the area of Harding Highway and Main Road.

The vehicle allegedly fled from officers when they attempted to stop it, however, a short time later, it was seen pulling into the parking lot of the Little Ease Tavern on Delsea Drive.

Officers approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, 22-year-old Xzavion Rodriguez, and the passenger, 24-year-old Ethan K. Stickle, both from Vineland.

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Driver Charged With Drunk Driving

According to police, "Rodriguez displayed symptoms of impairment and was removed from the vehicle for field sobriety testing. He was subsequently placed under arrest for the suspicion of drunk driving."

Passenger Arrested After Gun Discovered

The department continued the account,

During the arrest of Rodriguez, Stickle attempted to exit the vehicle. As officers spoke to Stickle they observed a handgun in plain view inside of the vehicle. Stickle was also placed under arrest. Officers seized the handgun which contained a large capacity magazine.

The gun was found to be reported stolen out of Richland County, South Carolina.

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Charges Filed

Rodriguez was charged with eluding, driving while intoxicated, and numerous other motor vehicle violations. He was released pending a court date.

Stickle was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a large-capacity magazine and receiving stolen property. He was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.