Trenton - On Tuesday, Troopers assigned to the State Governmental Security Bureau, which secures state buildings, arrested a Trenton man and two17-year-old area juveniles. Troopers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the area of the New Jersey State Department of Health and Agriculture Building. The occupants of the vehicle were reportedly donning masks. A description of the vehicle and individuals was broadcast and unit members canvassed the area in an effort to locate the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently spotted in the area of Market Street.

Trooper Justin Hopson stopped the 1990 silver Honda Civic driven by 19-year-old, Luis Angel Rivera of Trenton at the intersection of South Broad and Bridge Streets. Assisting troopers observed a "Molotov Cocktail" inside the vehicle. The Molotov Cocktail, a mixture of gasoline and 2 cycle motor oil, was to be used as an incendiary device. Rivera had apparently planned to use the device against a rival. The suspects were arrested and transported to the Trenton Police Department for processing. The State Police Arson Bomb Unit was notified and responded to the scene to render the device safe.

The New Jersey State Police Street Gang Unit, State Governmental Security Bureau and the Trenton Police Department Gang Unit will partner to investigate whether this incident is related to gang activity. State Police Superintendent, Colonel Rick Fuentes stated: "The efforts of the troopers involved in this arrest thwarted a potentially deadly situation. We will not tolerate gang activity of any kind."

Rivera faces a number of charges: Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon or device, and conspiracy to commit an aggravated assault.

Rivera will be lodged in the Mercer County Jail pending a bail hearing. The two 17-year-old juveniles will be lodged in the Mercer County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court appearance.

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