2021 News Release

Troopers Arrest Two Men and Seize Ghost Gun after Traffic Stop

Troopers Seize Cash, Burglar Tools, and a High-Capacity Magazine

Secaucus, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police have arrested Khristian Haye, 20, and Jaden Thomas, 20, both of Plainfield, N.J. and seized a ghost gun, cash, and burglar tools after they fled a motor vehicle stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.

On March 22, at 11:39 a.m., Sergeant Keith McCormick attempted to stop a red Chevrolet Corvette for a traffic violation southbound on the eastern spur of the New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus, Hudson County. When Sergeant McCormick activated the lights and sirens on his marked troop car, the suspect refused to stop. Sergeant McCormick continued to follow the vehicle until he lost sight of the suspect who exited the New Jersey Turnpike at Interchange 15W and continued west on Interstate 280 to Exit 16. 

While searching the area, assisting troopers located the vehicle on Ogden Avenue in Kearny. A short time later, troopers along with members of the Kearny Police Department located Haye and Thomas walking nearby after Trooper Richard Musso was alerted to their location by a passerby. 

During the investigation, troopers determined that Haye was the driver of the Corvette and Thomas was the passenger.  After the suspects were placed under arrest, troopers discovered a ghost gun, a high-capacity magazine, burglary tools, and $1,557 cash inside the car. A ghost gun is a firearm that is assembled from various parts that are not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace.

Khristian Haye and Jaden Thomas were charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a firearm while under the age of 21, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and possession of burglar tools. Haye was also charged with eluding. They were lodged at the Hudson County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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