Wanted man found with defaced gun during traffic stop: Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, Police

Authorities say a man who was wanted in Salem County for a previous handgun offense was allegedly found with a defaced handgun during a traffic spot in Egg Harbor Township last week.

At about 10:00 on the night of June 25th, the EHT Police Department says one of their officers stopped a vehicle near 6661 Black Horse Pike, near the old Inn of the Dove, for a motor vehicle violation.

Police say during the stop, they learned the driver, Russell Daniel, was wanted by the Salem County Sheriff’s Office for a previous handgun offense.

An investigation later gave way to a search of the vehicle, where officers say they recovered a 9mm handgun with a defaced serial number that was loaded with a 12-round high-capacity magazine and 10 hollow point bullets.

Daniel and his 15-year-old passenger were both taken into custody and are facing several charges related to the defaced gun and unlawful possession of a weapon.

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The juvenile was released on a summons while charges for Daniel were placed on a warrant and he was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

The Egg Harbor Township Police Department said,

We understand that a traffic stop may be perceived as an inconvenience to many, but it is an officer’s responsibility to stop, educate the public, and enforce the laws of the State of NJ. NJ traffic laws enhance the safety for the motoring public on our roadways. On occasion, a stop, such as this one, will also allow an officer to apprehend a more serious criminal offender as well. Thank you for supporting our officers’ efforts in keeping our community a safe place to live, work and pass through.