Paterson traffic stop yields loaded handgun, assortment of drugs
By Jonathan Greene
Published: October 30, 2020
The police arrested two people during a traffic stop on Rosa Parks Boulevard on Thursday, seizing a loaded handgun and an assortment of drugs, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Daniel J. Wendt, 29, of Bogota, and Rishard Castaneda, 31, of Paterson, were arrested, police said.
Wendt was a passenger in Castaneda’s Honda Pilot at Rosa Parks Boulevard and Montgomery Street. Police approached the vehicle while conducting an investigation at Jelsma Place and Harrison Street at around 5:09 p.m. Wendt was observed trying to conceal a plastic bag containing drugs.
Wendt exited the vehicle and ran on foot on seeing police. He discarded a black handgun on the ground while running.
Police recovered the Smith & Wesson 9mm MP9 Shield loaded with eight rounds, one within the chamber. He also had 14 grams of cocaine, 3 bags of marijuana, 33 Xanax tablets, and $1,381 cash, police said.
Police determined the handgun was stolen in a burglary in Columbia, South Carolina.
Wendt was charged with 13 drugs and weapons offenses. He was also charged with resisting arrest.
Castaneda was charged with loitering to commit a drug offense.