Man With Gun, Ammunition Caught At Westfield Traffic Stop: Police

WESTFIELD, NJ — Police who stopped a man for speeding in Westfield after 4 a.m. Saturday found a loaded firearm and a total of eight rounds of ammunition in the vehicle, they said.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro announced that Chealsy A. Castillo, 26, of Carteret, was charged with driving while intoxicated and several weapons possession charges after a traffic stop.

Battiloro said Castillo was stopped for speeding on the 1300 block of Central Avenue on Saturday at approximately 4:14 a.m.

Officer Joseph Natale determined that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, police said. After an investigation, he was arrested for DWI.

Castillo was searched subsequent to his arrest and found to have three 9 mm rounds of ammunition on his person, police say. And then:

"Furthermore, while assisting Officer Natale with the impoundment of Castillo’s vehicle, Officer Michael DiBella observed a black magazine in plain view inside of his vehicle. It was determined to be loaded with four rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Also located in Castillo’s vehicle was a black and silver 9 mm handgun. It was determined to be loaded with a 9mm round of ammunition in its chamber."

Castillo was also charged with:

• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Certain persons not to have weapons or ammunition
• Refusal to submit to a test, and
• Driving when license suspended.

He was transported to the Essex County Jail in Newark, where he will be held pending a detention hearing.

Other Westfield crime reports: 3 Police Injured As Westfield Teen Is Charged In Car Thefts

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