Two people have been arrested and charged with weapons offenses in Salem as part of increased patrols and investigations prompted by a rash of summer shootings in the city, authorities said.
| Original article by Bill Gallo Jr., and found on NJ.com at http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2014/08/2_arrest_made_guns_confiscated_in_stepped_salem_patrols.html |
SHAWN PALMER
Two people have been arrested and charged with weapons offenses in Salem as part of increased patrols and investigations prompted by a rash of summer shootings in the city, authorities said.
Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said the arrests are part of a cooperative effort between officers from the prosecutor’s office and the Salem Police Department.
“Every effort is being made by multiple law enforcement agencies to quell the ongoing rash of violence,” Lenahan said Thursday. “The Salem City Mayor’s Task Force, community leaders, clergy and law enforcement are working together to present further acts of violence.”
The actions come as part of a proactive, stepped-up crime fighting effort that was prompted by the June slaying of a man at the Westside Court apartments.
Salem City’s police chief said the public’s cooperation is “desperately” needed to help quell the violence and put those responsible in jail.
One of the latest two arrests was Shawn Palmer, 28, of Salem, who was taken into custody after officers recovered two .38 caliber handguns that were hidden at the rear of a residence on Thompson Street, according to Lenahan.
The investigation began after police were contacted and advised that someone had been threatened by an individual who allegedly had a firearm in his possession.
Palmer, who was arrested June 25, was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and lodged at the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township, on $50,000 cash bail.
In a second arrest, a 17-year-old juvenile male from Salem, was taken into custody on Aug. 1 on Eakin Street after officers searched him subsequent to a city ordinance and found him to be in possession of a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
The unidentified teen was charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, authorities said. The teenager was placed in a juvenile detention facility pending a court hearing.
Since May 1, officers have recovered a total of six firearms in Salem during arrests and during searches of various high-crime targeted areas within the city, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The surge of police patrols began after Braheem Long was murdered on June 18at the Westside Court apartment complex on Front Street.
Raddulah Lee has been charged in Long’s murder.
Since that date, six additional shootings have occurred in the city. Law enforcement officials believe that the shootings are not “random” and are part of a targeted effort by two groups — one from Salem and the other Camden — sparked by the murder of Long.
“Law enforcement resources from various local, county, state and federal agencies have joined forces with detectives working these incidents and are vigorously following up numerous leads to apprehend the subjects and end the string of violence in Salem,” Salem County Chief of Detectives Brian Facemyer said.
Salem City Chief of Police John A. Pelura III said the public’s help is critical in helping law enforcement make arrests and bring an end to the violence on the streets of Salem.
“The Salem Police Department has committed all of its resources to help prevent future acts of violence in the city and protect our residents,” Pelura said. “We have been working closely with the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and are being assisted by state, county and local police agencies. We desperately need the public’s help. The victims of the recent acts of violence have been uncooperative; however, we need information to protect our innocent residents and children.
The chief said the public needs to reach out.
“If anyone sees or hears anything related to the violent acts we ask that you call 9-1-1 to report any such information. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish but they must call so that we can respond accordingly. Your actions may save a life.”
Those who want to provide information can call 856-935 8119 or 856-935 2TIP.
Information can also be provided by accessing the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office’s website at salemcountyprosecutor.org and clicking on the “Tip Line” button at the top of the page, authorities said. Individuals providing information can remain anonymous if they wish to do so.
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