HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Two men face multiple weapons charges following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of three unregistered handguns, including one reported stolen.
Officer Isom of the Township of Hamilton Police Department stopped a 2021 black Dodge Durango on Wrangleboro Road near the intersection with the Atlantic City Expressway at approximately 8:49 p.m. April 5, 2026, for motor vehicle violations.
The vehicle was towed from the scene following the initial roadside investigation, and a search warrant was later obtained.
Officers and detectives executed the search warrant April 8, 2026, resulting in the recovery of three unregistered handguns, one of which had been reported stolen out of Monroe Township, along with hollow-point and ball ammunition.
Arrest warrants were issued for the driver, Romello Gardner, 20, of Mays Landing, and the passenger, Luis Lopez-Bautista, 20, of Mays Landing.
Both men face charges of unlawful possession of weapons (three counts), possession of weapons for an unlawful purpose (three counts), possession of prohibited weapons and devices – extended magazines (two counts), possession of prohibited weapons and devices – hollow-point ammunition, possession of firearms by minors under 21 (three counts), and receiving stolen property.
Lopez-Bautista was arrested Thursday and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Gardner has failed to surrender, and the Township of Hamilton Police Department continues to actively seek him on the charges.
