Warren County man charged after search yields grenade, dynamite, machete, other weapons
PHILLIPSBURG, NJ (Warren County) – A 54-year-old Phillipsburg man faces a slew of weapons charges after his car and residence were searched by police, the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release Wednesday.
In late December of 2022, police received information and a photograph from a concerned individual showing what appeared to be an individual, who was identified as Jason Fretz, in possession of multiple firearms, authorities said.
Upon a further investigation, it was revealed that Fretz had a final restraining order and was prohibited from possessing any type of weapon, including a firearm, prosecutor’s office said.
Shortly after, Phillipsburg police obtained a search warrant to inspect the suspect’s residence and vehicle. Inside his residence, police located a hand grenade, dynamite, four air powered guns, switchblade knife, and a large bladed knife. Inside his vehicle, law enforcement located a machete, authorities said.
Fretz was charged with two counts of third-degree possession of a prohibited weapon, three counts of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree contempt of court, and third-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon.
Fretz was being held pending a detention hearing.