On Sunday November 3, 2013 at 1:43 a.m., Patrolman Matthew Hopkins was patrolling the Linden Road area when he observed a green Dodge Durango without a front license plate traveling on Westfield Avenue. He noticed that the rear plate was obstructed by a tinted plastic cover and stopped the vehicle at the Chestnut Street intersection.
While speaking to the driver, Patrolman Hopkins noticed a security-type belt with handcuffs on the backseat. The driver, Joannes Bellomoreno, 26 of Kenilworth, stated he was a security guard. When asked if he possessed a firearm, Bellomoreno stated ‘no’. Patrolmen Greg Polakoski then arrived on scene as backup and soon notified Hopkins that he observed a firearm in the car. Polakoski recovered a Glock 9mm loaded with 15 rounds from the rear pouch of the front passenger seat.
Bellomoreno was removed from the vehicle and was found to have an empty holster secured to his belt. Bellomoreno stated he borrowed the weapon from an unidentified friend. Bellomoreno was found to be a licensed security guard but not authorized to possess or carry a firearm.
Bellomoreno was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, and lodged in the Union County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.