Authorities say AR-15 among items recovered
NEWARK -- An early-morning search of a South Ward home Wednesday turned up multiple weapons as well as heroin, police spokesman Sgt. Ron Glover said.
Police from the NJIT campus force, FBI personnel and officers from the city's Emergency Response Team attended a briefing before executing a search warrant at the Johnson Avenue home around 5:30 a.m.
Police burst in after knocking and announcing themselves without getting a response, Glover said.
An adult and two children inside were moved to the front of the apartment as police carried out the search and found an AR-15 firearm, a Glock handgun and three Taurus handguns, Glover added. Fifty packets of heroin were also allegedly found.
Edna Diaz, 45, has been charged with five counts of unlawful possession of a weapon along with other weapons and narcotics offenses.
"Our officers with the assistance of the FBI and officers from NJIT did a wonderful job removing five weapons, including an AR-15, from our city streets and the hands of a persistent criminal. I really am convinced that due to the diligence of the team, multiple unknown lives have been saved," said Newark Police Director Eugene Venable.
Glover said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues and Diaz may also face additional charges. Anyone with information is being asked to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line, 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867).
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
