1 Arrested on Firearms and CDS Distribution Charges During Cranford Police Motor Vehicle Stop
A Monmouth County man was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and controlled dangerous substances during a motor vehicle stop on North Avenue at the Garden State Parkway Northbound interchange on Saturday, August 16 ,2025.
At approximately 12:46 AM, Officer Liam Duffy stopped a black 2015 Honda for an equipment violation in the area of North Avenue and the Garden State Parkway. Subsequently, Officer Gianna Ricerca was dispatched as Officer Duffy’s backup. During the motor vehicle investigation, Officer Duffy located a loaded firearm and a large quantity of controlled dangerous substances. The suspect, later identified as James A. Sabb, 41, of Keansburg, New Jersey, was taken into custody without incident.
Recovered was a loaded Canik 9mm semi-automatic handgun containing hollow-nose bullets, over 200 folds of CDS heroin, over 60 packages of CDS crack-cocaine, prescription pills, and multiple pressed pills suspected as CDS MDMA (ecstasy).
Sabb was charged with 2nd Degree possession of a Firearm while conspiring to commit a CDS violation, 3rd Degree possession of a Firearm, 4th Degree possession of hollow-nose ammunition, 4th Degree possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, 2nd Degree possession of CDS cocaine with intent to distribute, 3rd Degree possession of CDS cocaine, 2nd Degree possession of CDS heroin with intent to distribute, 3rd Degree possession of CDS heroin, 3rd Degree possession of CDS MDMA, and multiple motor vehicle offenses.
Chief Nazzaro commended Officer Duffy and all involved officers on this recent arrest. “The removal of yet another firearm and a large quantity of drugs from our streets can be directly attributed to Officer Duffy’s training, experience, and professionalism,” Chief Nazzaro said.
At the time of this arrest, Sabb was committed to Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing.
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Release by Chief Matthew R. Nazzaro
908-709-7340 / police@cranfordnj.org.