Middletown man charged after loaded firearm found in vehicle

A Middletown man was charged with weapons under disability and improper handling of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, both felonies, during a traffic stop in Middletown, according to a police report.

Tyonne Thomas, 26, who has previous felony charges, also was charged with open flask and drug paraphernalia, the report read.

At 2 a.m. Saturday, while sitting at 1714 Tytus Ave., Tapster’s Bar, Middletown police said they saw a Nissan SUV speeding. When the car was pulled over, the back seat passengers were making furtive movements, according to police. As police walked toward the vehicle, it pulled away, traveled about 200 yards, then pulled over.

At gunpoint, the five people in the vehicle were told to put their hands in the air, according to a report.

Everyone was searched and when police looked in the back of the vehicle, they found a Ruger .357 magnum with five rounds in the cylinder. The weapon was checked and it wasn’t stolen, police said.

Thomas will have his preliminary hearing Jan. 14 in Middletown Municipal Court, according to records.

Christopher Spicer, 18, was charged with drug abuse/marijuana, open flask and underage consumption. His arraignment is set for Jan. 16 in Middletown Municipal Court.

The other three people in the car were released.

About the Author

Rick McCrabb

Rick McCrabb has worked at the Journal since 1987. He covers Middletown, Monroe, Trenton and Madison Twp., and writes a column every Sunday.