Berkeley Heights Police Blotter: Suspect Arrested for Loaded Handgun

Here is the latest Berkeley Heights Police Blotter through September 21, 2011.

On Friday, September 16, 2011 at 9:46 pm, Ptl. Donato Minicozzi arrested Omar R. Lee, 40, of East Orange. 

Lee was the operator of a 1997 Honda and was stopped on Plainfield Avenue after Ptl. Minicozzi ran a random license plate check showing that the registered owner held a suspended license. 

Lee initially told the officer that he had forgotten his license at home and then proceeded to give Ptl. Minicozzi false information regarding his identity. 

Further investigation revealed Lee’s true identity at which time he was placed under arrest. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a .40 caliber handgun with a fully loaded magazine behind the passenger seat. 

Lee was brought to police headquarters and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and was released with a court date to appear in Union County Superior Court after posting bail.

On Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:43 pm, Ptl. Ed Gaffney arrested Kevin M. Tripodi, 34, of Westfield. 

Tripodi was the operator of a 2003 Honda and was stopped after a random license plate check revealed that he held a suspended drivers license. 

Further investigation revealed that Tripodi held an outstanding warrant out of Raritan Boro in the amount of $800.00. Tripodi was brought to police headquarters, processed and charged with driving while suspended. He was then released after posting bail.