A late-night traffic stop in the Unionport section of the Bronx turned into a serious weapons bust when NYPD officers say they spotted a loaded handgun sitting in plain view inside a car that had just rolled through a stop sign.
According to police, body-camera video shows officers pulling the vehicle over late Thursday and quickly zeroing in on the firearm. By the time the stop was over, officers reported recovering a loaded gun, magazines, extra ammunition and a set of brass knuckles, and hauling two people into custody on multiple weapons charges.
Body-camera footage catches gun in plain view
Detectives say the stop happened around 11:15 p.m. near East 177th Street and Powell Avenue. The officers’ body cameras were rolling when, during the routine check, they noticed what appeared to be a loaded handgun inside the vehicle.
Police say the officers then recovered the firearm, along with magazines, additional rounds and brass knuckles, all from inside the car. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Jonah Nembard of Mount Vernon, and his 21-year-old passenger, Reagan Jackson of the East Bronx, were arrested at the scene.
Both Nembard and Jackson were booked on 11 counts of criminal possession of a weapon, according to News 12 | Bronx.
Neighbors say traffic stop hits nerve on street safety
The arrests hit close to home for Unionport residents, who say the bust only reinforces what they have been warning about when it comes to street crime in the area.
“You’re not safe to even go to the store, take their children to school or go to work,” one resident told News 12 | Bronx, describing a day-to-day anxiety that has become all too familiar.
Others, including local residents Jessica Veras and Shawntay Williams, said they hope this high-profile stop pushes the NYPD to increase visible patrols and boost community outreach, rather than just roll through the block after something goes wrong.
What the charges could mean for the defendants
Both defendants are facing multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, a charge that can carry felony-level penalties depending on the degree and the exact circumstances.
Under New York’s Penal Law, prosecutors will be weighing several factors, including what qualifies as a “loaded firearm” and which items are considered prohibited weapons. The statute specifically addresses items such as metal knuckles, which could come into play given the brass knuckles police say they recovered. Statutory definitions and potential penalties are detailed in New York Penal Law.
Police have not yet released arraignment dates or additional documents. Investigators are still reviewing the seized items along with the body-camera footage as the case moves forward. Neighbors, meanwhile, say they will be watching closely to see whether this stop turns into more consistent patrols and concrete safety measures on their streets.
