Fort Lee Illegal Handgun ChargesPolice officers arrested two men accused of driving on the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee while illegally carrying a loaded firearm.

Port Authority police officers stopped the suspects’ vehicle, a 2016 Dodge Charger, as it drove through an EZ-Pass only lane at the George Washington Bridge toll plaza at approximately 6:00 a.m. According to authorities, the suspects did not pay the necessary toll before moving through the lane. Moreover, the vehicle reportedly lacked valid license plates.

When Port Authority cops moved toward the car and talked to the driver, they noticed that he appeared to be drunk or high.

A subsequent search of the car allegedly led to the discovery of a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm gun.

The suspects include a 36-year-old South Carolina man who was driving the Dodge and a 23-year-old Maine resident who was sitting in the front-passenger seat. Both suspects were placed under arrest.

The South Carolina man faces criminal charges for unlawful possession of a weapon and theft of services. He was also cited for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), driving with false plates, and other traffic offenses.

The Maine suspect faces charges for unlawful possession of a weapon.

For additional information about this case, go to the NJ.com article, “Pair Arrested on Gun Charges After GWB Toll Plaza Traffic Stop.”