The police arrested four people and recovered three handguns in three separate incidents, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Jamir King, 22; Tremaine Jones, 30; 15-year-old boy; and Rashone Clark, 29, all of Paterson, were arrested in the incidents.
King and Jones were arrested at the corner of Broadway and Summer Street at around 7:55 p.m. on Tuesday. Police observed both men standing in the area. King was allegedly observed engaging in drug transactions. King entered a black SUV at the intersection as police approached. Jones was the driver of the vehicle. Jones was allegedly concealing crack cocaine in a bag. Police retrieved the bag from Jones.
Jones began fleeing on foot on Broadway towards Carroll Street. He was chased and placed under arrest. He was allegedly found in possession of heroin. Police charged him with having 20 bags of heroin and 205 vials of crack cocaine. His bag contained a black Taurus 9mm handgun loaded with 32 rounds, police said.
King was charged with possession of 80 bags of heroin. Police charged King with numerous drug offenses. Jones was charged with numerous weapons and drug offenses.
King and Jones are being held at the Passaic County Jail.
Less than an hour later, police arrested the 15-year-old boy with a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver on Union and Wayne avenues.
Police received information about an armed robbery at 400 Totowa Avenue. Police broadcasted a description of two suspects.
Both suspects were observed walking on Union and Wayne avenues at around 8:45 p.m. As police approached, one suspect fled on foot on Union Avenue towards Sherman Avenue. Police detained the second suspect.
Police chased the fleeing suspect and placed him under arrest near a residence on Sherman Avenue. He was identified as the 15-year-old. He had a loaded defaced revolver concealed in a fanny pack.
The 15-year-old was charged with numerous weapons offenses. He is being detained at the Essex County Detention Center pending a hearing. The other suspect, also a 15-year-old boy, was later released.
Clark was arrested at around 11:45 p.m. on Thursday in the area of Godwin Avenue near Rosa Parks Boulevard. He allegedly had a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, 32 rounds, and 35 bags of heroin.
Police responded to the area on report of shots fired. They observed three males. One was observed removing a large firearm from his jacket pocket.
Clark began walking on Godwin Avenue towards East 18th Street. He was detained and the weapon and heroin were seized.
Clark is being held at the Passaic County Jail.