Police: Middletown traffic stop leads to meth, gun being found

A routine traffic stop led to Middletown police finding 21.09 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun in a car Friday night, according to a police report.

Ronald Howard, 53, of Camden, was charged with drug abuse/methamphetamine, a second-degree felony, and fictitious registration, the report read.

While on patrol in the area of Second Avenue and Main Street, police saw a white Pontiac SUV, and after running the plates, the registration returned to a red Chevy truck.

When the car pulled into the UDF parking lot, police said Howard and a male passenger were “extremely nervous and gave off an odd vibe.” The passenger, police said, appeared to be “frustrated and agitated.”

When asked, Howard told police he had methamphetamine on him, but there were no weapons in the car. Police found a large cellophane baggie with a crystal like substance, consistent with methamphetamine, in Howard’s right pocket.

During a search of the vehicle, police found more methamphetamine in the center console, and a Jennings .22 handgun, and a magazine with six rounds in the glove compartment.

Howard, after being read his Miranda Warning, admitted to being in possession of the methamphetamine and having a handgun in the car. The gun wasn’t stolen, police said. The passenger was released from the scene.

Howard will have his preliminary hearing Monday afternoon in Middletown Municipal Court.

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