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The incident was yet another in a recent series of weapons discoveries – including of a Mac 11 machine gun and a stolen handgun – underscoring the dangers inherent with motor vehicle stops, Police Chief James N. Batelli said.
After pulling over a southbound Dodge Magnum for several equipment violations, Officer Matthew Buonocore discovered that the driver, 47-year-old Trayon W. Kirby of Norfalk, VA, was wanted on outstanding warrants, Batelli said.
Kirby and his passenger – Shawna Cowell, 34, also of Norfolk – “gave conflicting answers to various questions that were asked,” the chief said.
Cowell also told the officer there was a loaded Taurus handgun in a duffel bag, which Batelli said was within reach of both her and Kirby.
K9 Officer Robb Rapp and Remco responded, and the marijuana was discovered, along with the cash, the chief said.
“The origin of ownership of the handgun is being traced through the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agency,” Batelli said.
As a convicted felon – with an extensive criminal background in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia -- Kirby was prohibited from having a gun, he noted.
A judge ordered him and Cowell held in the Bergen County Jail pending detention hearings on various drug and weapons charges.
In addition to Rapp and Remco, Buonocore was assisted by Officer David Vega and Paul Macklin and Detective Eric Larsen.
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