Hamilton NJ Police Arrest Mays Landing Man Who Allegedly Had Backpack Full of Illegal Drugs

Hamilton Township police recently arrested a man accused of assaulting another person on a sidewalk and later charged him with a number of drug crimes after he was found to be in possession of a backpack filled with illegal drugs.

According to authorities, the violent incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Cologne Avenue in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. A Hamilton NJ patrol cop was dispatched to the area after law enforcement got a 911 call about a man using a belt to brutally whip another man. When the police officer arrived at the scene, he reportedly saw the suspect carrying a backpack and running away. The Hamilton officer also saw the victim, who was lying on the ground and suffering from serious injuries. The police officer called for backup and remained with the injured victim.

The next Hamilton cop to arrive at the scene chased after the suspect and managed to catch up to him near Brecknock Court. The suspect, who had reportedly suffered an injury to his foot during the pursuit, was subdued and placed under arrest without further incident.

The suspect was subsequently taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, where doctors treated him for his minor foot injury. Meanwhile, the assault victim did not require hospitalization.

Detectives with the Hamilton Township Police Department investigated the assault incident and found a blue backpack that the suspect allegedly tossed over a fence while trying to elude law enforcement. The bag allegedly contained a number of drugs, including 168 grams of marijuana, 61 Xanax pills, and a single oxycodone pill, as well as a scale for weighing drugs and empty bags used to package drugs. Police also indicated that the backpack contained a .357 Magnum handgun that was missing its serial number.

The suspect is an 18-year-old resident of Mays Landing, NJ. He faces very serious criminal charges for eluding police, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, illegal possession of Xanax with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute in a school zone. Perhaps the most serious charges, though, are for illegal possession of a handgun and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, both of which carry significant penalties and are enumerated offenses in the New Jersey Graves Act.

The suspect has not yet been charged with aggravated assault or simple assault for his alleged attack on the victim, but it is possible that additional criminal charges could be forthcoming.

After being arrested and processed, the suspect was remanded to the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of a $50K bail amount. He will likely remain at the correctional facility until he posts bail or until the criminal charges against him have been resolved.

For more information, read the NJ.com article, “Beating with Belt Leads to N.J. Man’s Arrest on Gun and Drug Charges.”

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a drug crime like marijuana possession or prescription drug distribution, or any other criminal offense in South Jersey, you need a qualified criminal defense lawyer representing you. The experienced, aggressive Atlantic County criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty can help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.