PHILLIPSBURG, NJ (Warren County) – A Warren County man was arrested for possession of a handgun and a large capacity magazine following a shooting investigation in Phillipsburg, according to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
On Monday, February 24, at around 3:15 p.m., police responded to the area of Stockton Street, Spruce Alley, and Sitgreaves Street after receiving an alert from Phillipsburg’s ShotSpotter, authorities said.
Upon the patrol’s arrival, officers were informed that no one had been shot, but that an individual or individuals had discharged a firearm, officials said.
During the course of the investigation, Jared Benka-Coker, 18, of Stewartsville, was allegedly found in possession of a .40 caliber Glock handgun, loaded with a large-capacity magazine, and was subsequently arrested by the Phillipsburg police, the prosecutor’s office said.
Benka-Coker was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a permit, and fourth-degree possession of a large capacity magazine. He is currently being held in the Warren County Correctional Center.
Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in the New Jersey State Prison and fourth-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in the New Jersey State Prison.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police assisted the Phillipsburg Police Department with the investigation.
