Sheriff arrests two in motor vehicle stop on North Main Street
By Jonathan Greene
Published: May 12, 2015
A city man and woman were arrested during the early morning hours of Monday on North Main Street for operating a vehicle without paperwork, drug paraphernalia possession, and a pellet gun that resembled an actual handgun, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.
Charlene Merced, 32, and Gilberto Serrano, 48, were inside a vehicle on North Main Street when sheriff’s officers conducted a random plate inquiry. Authorities found the vehicle’s information was not on file during the inquiry.
Merced, the driver, told officers she did not have a driver’s license or vehicle paperwork. Serrano, the passage, told authorities the vehicle’s paperwork was at his friend’s house. Officers noticed a homemade pipe, commonly used to smoke drugs, near the vehicle’s front cup holder. Authorities also spotted what appeared to be a gun.
“While writing summoned, an occupant of vehicle made a sudden movement and the Officers and there backups saw a gun,” Berdnik said. Officers stabilized the situation and recovered a black pellet style handgun with removable magazine and grip stamped “UK ARMS.”
Merced has been weapon offenses, driving an unregistered vehicle, uninsured, unlicensed, drug paraphernalia, and using fictitious plates. Serrano has been charged with drug paraphernalia possession, weapon possession for criminal purpose, and unlawful weapon possession, authorities said.