A motorist who appeared to be drunk was arrested after police found open beer cans and a flare gun in his car during a stop on Route 46, authorities said Saturday.
Police released a photo of a flare gun they said an officer seized during a traffic stop on Route 46 on Sept. 4, 2015.
Joseph Moore, 35, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was charged with having an imitation firearm and possession of a firearm by someone with a criminal record, according to township police Deputy Chief Anthony Manna. He was also cited for traffic violations.
The arrest stemmed from a 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' anti-drunk driving enforcement patrol Friday night when township Police Officer Jeffrey Dean spotted Moore's Dodge Charger not staying in its lane, Manna said.
During a traffic stop, the officer saw an open 12-pack of Bud Light beer in the car, according to police. Moore also had the smell of alcohol on his breath, slightly slurred speech and watery eyes.
As Moore got out to do a field sobriety test, the officer saw the butt of a gun sticking out of the driver's door pocket, police added.
"The officer examined the gun further and determined that it was a 9mm flare gun," Manna said in a statement. "It is alleged that also found in the vehicle was a fully loaded magazine for the gun and six empty, opened beer cans."
Moore couldn't explain why he had the flare gun, police said. He was later released on $20,000 bond.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
