Police: Suspected Gang Member Had Gun

File Photo

  ASBURY PARK – A Monmouth County man is being charged with illegally possessing a handgun after police suspected gang activity.

  On July 20, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detectives and Neptune City Police Officers arrived at an apartment complex in Neptune City to conduct surveillance of suspected gang activity. Officers saw Lashawn Alford, 27, of Asbury Park, who is a previously convicted felon, exit the apartment and get into the back of a car that drove out of the complex.

  According to law enforcement, Alford is an alleged member of the Queen Street II Bloods street gang and determined that Alford had an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Asbury Park. Officers then stopped the car and arrested Alford. While arresting Alford, police discovered a loaded Smith and Wesson, model M&P Compact, .22 caliber pistol on the floor of the car where Alford had been sitting.

  Alford is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

  Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.