Latest news with #Kennerk
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man busted on Amtrak train with ‘small arsenal' of weapons: AG
A Florida man has been indicted in Trenton, New Jersey, after allegedly boarding an Amtrak train with what authorities described as a "small arsenal" of weapons. Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was caught on a train on Jan. 3 with assault weapons, large-capacity ammunition magazines, handguns, silencers and a booby-trapped rifle that fired during his arrest at the Trenton Transit Center, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin's office said on April 16. "This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers," Platkin said in a statement. "He allegedly left a suitcase containing assorted weapons and ammunition – including an assault rifle – in the concourse of Newark Penn Station, where anyone could have been harmed by them. If not for the outstanding police work done in this matter, we can only imagine where this defendant and these weapons would have ended up." A New Jersey Transit Police officer was tipped off to an unaccompanied black and white zebra-print suitcase near the entrance to the Newark subway. Real Id Appointments Added As New Jersey Residents Struggle To Get New Identification When authorities investigated the bag, they found a handgun with a fully loaded 18-round magazine. Further investigation revealed an AR-style magazine fully loaded with .223 ammunition, and a plastic bag with two boxes of 9mm ammunition and four boxes of .223 ammunition, officials said. Read On The Fox News App A secondary compartment in the bag allegedly contained a loaded Zastava Arms AK-47-style rifle and several more fully loaded magazines. According to Platkin's office, Kennerk briefly abandoned the bag to purchase an Amtrak train ticket to Virginia. He then boarded the train in Newark but was intercepted by law enforcement at the train's next stop in Trenton. Nj Governor Accused Of Harboring Violent Illegal Criminals, Doj Launches Probe Authorities said they found more weapons and ammunition upon Kennerk's arrest, including an "AR-15-style rifle that was separated into the lower and upper receiver, multiple caches of ammunition, multiple extended magazines, and multiple handguns." They also found another rifle with .300 AAC Blackout ammunition, according to Platkin's office. "The officer placed the muzzle into the suitcase pointed at the ground and attempted to remove one of the handkerchiefs to render it safe, at which time the firearm discharged without the officer engaging the trigger, indicating that the gun was allegedly booby-trapped," the AG's office said. Authorities said they also found four silencers and hollow point ammunition in both 9mm and .22 long rifle calibers. Newark Mayor Under Fire For Trying To Halt Reopening Of Ice Facility Kennerk was indicted for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, four counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of an assault firearm, one count of aggravated assault and one count of certain persons not to have weapons, which are all second-degree crimes. He was also charged with several fourth-degree crimes, including two counts of unlawful possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine, and one count each of unlawful possession of hollow nose ammunition, unlawful possession of a silencer, endangering another person and causing or risking widespread injury or damage. Fox News Digital reached out to Platkin's office and Kennerk's attorney, Dominic article source: Florida man busted on Amtrak train with 'small arsenal' of weapons: AG
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Fox News
Florida man busted on Amtrak train with ‘small arsenal' of weapons: AG
A Florida man has been indicted in Trenton, New Jersey, after allegedly boarding an Amtrak train with what authorities described as a "small arsenal" of weapons. Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was caught on a train on Jan. 3 with assault weapons, large-capacity ammunition magazines, handguns, silencers and a booby-trapped rifle that fired during his arrest at the Trenton Transit Center, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin's office said on April 16. "This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers," Platkin said in a statement. "He allegedly left a suitcase containing assorted weapons and ammunition – including an assault rifle – in the concourse of Newark Penn Station, where anyone could have been harmed by them. If not for the outstanding police work done in this matter, we can only imagine where this defendant and these weapons would have ended up." A New Jersey Transit Police officer was tipped off to an unaccompanied black and white zebra-print suitcase near the entrance to the Newark subway. When authorities investigated the bag, they found a handgun with a fully loaded 18-round magazine. Further investigation revealed an AR-style magazine fully loaded with .223 ammunition, and a plastic bag with two boxes of 9mm ammunition and four boxes of .223 ammunition, officials said. A secondary compartment in the bag allegedly contained a loaded Zastava Arms AK-47-style rifle and several more fully loaded magazines. According to Platkin's office, Kennerk briefly abandoned the bag to purchase an Amtrak train ticket to Virginia. He then boarded the train in Newark but was intercepted by law enforcement at the train's next stop in Trenton. Authorities said they found more weapons and ammunition upon Kennerk's arrest, including an "AR-15-style rifle that was separated into the lower and upper receiver, multiple caches of ammunition, multiple extended magazines, and multiple handguns." They also found another rifle with .300 AAC Blackout ammunition, according to Platkin's office. "The officer placed the muzzle into the suitcase pointed at the ground and attempted to remove one of the handkerchiefs to render it safe, at which time the firearm discharged without the officer engaging the trigger, indicating that the gun was allegedly booby-trapped," the AG's office said. Authorities said they also found four silencers and hollow point ammunition in both 9mm and .22 long rifle calibers. Kennerk was indicted for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, four counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of an assault firearm, one count of aggravated assault and one count of certain persons not to have weapons, which are all second-degree crimes. He was also charged with several fourth-degree crimes, including two counts of unlawful possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine, and one count each of unlawful possession of hollow nose ammunition, unlawful possession of a silencer, endangering another person and causing or risking widespread injury or damage. Fox News Digital reached out to Platkin's office and Kennerk's attorney, Dominic Cerrito.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man indicted after allegedly bringing 'small arsenal' on Amtrak train, law enforcement says
A Florida man allegedly boarded an Amtrak train in New Jersey carrying ammunition, multiple handguns and an AR-15 style rifle, New Jersey authorities said. Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, was indicted on several charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office and the Division of Criminal Justice said in a press release on Wednesday. "This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers," New Jersey's Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. Transit police at Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, noticed an unattended black-and-white-zebra-pattern bag on Jan. 3, according to officials. A K-9 team cleared the bag for the presence of explosives, then the officers opened it and found inside a case for a Glock handgun, according to a press release, which cites two complaints and an indictment. Inside the case was a handgun with a loaded 18-round magazine, officials said. Also in the bag were an AR-style magazine with rifle rounds and a "plastic bag containing a shirt and two boxes labeled 9 mm bullets; four boxes of .223 caliber bullets." "A zipped secondary compartment in the suitcase contained a pink duffle bag containing a black Zastava Arms AK-47 style rifle with one round loaded in the chamber and multiple loaded magazines," the A.G.'s press release said. After law enforcement found the bag, at about 2:55 p.m., they reviewed camera footage from the station, which appeared to show a man, whom police allege was Kennerk, who was carrying two suitcases, including the one with the zebra pattern. "The subject walked away, allegedly, leaving behind the zebra print suitcase, and went to the Amtrak ticket window," officials said. "It was learned that the subject was boarding an Amtrak train bound for Virginia and the next stop would be the Trenton Transit Center." Two officers boarded that train as it arrived in Trenton, officials said. When they approached Kennerk, he allegedly showed them a valid Amtrak ticket -- although it was for another train. Police officers in Trenton had been notified that Newark officials were searching for Kennerk. He was arrested before he could board his ticketed train, officials said. "The collective actions of law enforcement eliminated the possible carnage that could have been caused by the weapons involved in this case," New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo said in a statement. As Kennerk was arrested, police searched his second suitcase and found multiple other weapons, officials said. He was allegedly carrying in that "dark maroon colored" suitcase an AR-15-style rifle, along with "multiple caches of ammunitions, multiple extended magazines, and multiple handguns," officials said. "The indictment of this individual underscores the severe threat posed by those who amass illegal weapons with blatant disregard for public safety," said Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, in a statement. Deputy Attorney General Karen Bracizewsk, of New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice, is expected to lead the prosecution against Kennerk, officials said. ABC News' Jessica Gorman and Victoria Arancio contributed to this report. Florida man indicted after allegedly bringing 'small arsenal' on Amtrak train, law enforcement says originally appeared on
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man indicted after bringing booby-trapped rifle on Amtrak
The Brief Back in January, Jeffrey Owen Kennerk, 34, was arrested on a Virginia-bound Amtrak train for bringing multiple firearms onboard. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida man was indicted for aggravated assault, endangering others, and multiple weapons offenses Wednesday. TRENTON, N.J. - Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was indicted on charges including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and two counts of unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine after officials say he brought weapons on an Amtrak train. The backstory On January 3, 2025, at around 2:55 p.m. a NJ Transit Police officer noticed an unattended black and white zebra printed print suitcase in front of McDonald's at Newark Penn Station. A K9 unit arrived, and officers cleared the bag for the presence of explosive devices. Upon searching, an officer found a Glock handgun case. The case contained a Girsan Regard MC handgun with a fully loaded 18-round magazine. Officials say the suitcase also contained an AR-style magazine loaded with .223 rifle rounds, a plastic bag containing a shirt and two boxes labeled 9mm bullets; four boxes of .223 caliber bullets. A zipped secondary compartment in the suitcase contained a pink duffle bag containing a black Zastava Arms AK-47 style rifle with one round loaded in the chamber and multiple loaded magazines. After reviewing camera footage at the train station, police say a man, later identified as Kennerk, was wearing a black jacket and red pants carrying two suitcases, one of which had zebra print and the other was a dark maroon-colored suitcase. The subject walked away, allegedly, leaving behind the zebra-printed suitcase, and went to the Amtrak ticket window. They learned Kennerk was boarding an Amtrak train bound for Virginia and the next stop would be the Trenton Transit Center. Two police officers boarded an Amtrak train when it arrived in Trenton. Kennerk allegedly showed the officers a valid Amtrak ticket for a different train and said he had boarded the wrong train. He was directed to wait for the next train, which would be arriving within an hour. Before that train arrived, the officers in Trenton were notified about a person of interest wanted for weapons possession in Newark and saw Kennerk about to board another Amtrak train. Before he could board the train, Kennerk was arrested. Police searched Kennerk's suitcase and allegedly found multiple weapons, including an AR-15 style rifle that was separated into the lower and upper receiver, multiple caches of ammunitions, multiple extended magazines, and multiple handguns. While conducting the search of the bag, police allegedly removed a separate rifle that was loaded with .300 AAC Blackout ammunition. While removing that rifle from the suitcase, multiple handkerchiefs were observed wrapped around the trigger guard. The officer placed the muzzle into the suitcase pointed at the ground and attempted to remove one of the handkerchiefs to render it safe, at which time the firearm discharged without the officer engaging the trigger, indicating that the gun was allegedly booby-trapped. Additional items found included 10 "K" baffle cups (used in conjunction with silencers), four silencers, as well as hollow-point ammunition in both 9mm and .22 long rifle calibers. What they're saying "This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers," said Attorney General Platkin. "He allegedly left a suitcase containing assorted weapons and ammunition – including an assault rifle – in the concourse of Newark Penn Station, where anyone could have been harmed by them. If not for the outstanding police work done in this matter, we can only imagine where this defendant and these weapons would have ended up." "This case highlights the critical importance of effective law enforcement collaboration," said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. "The firearms seized in this case were illegal and presented a grave threat to public safety. My office is committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting weapons offenses of this kind." "I am very proud of the NJ TRANSIT Police officers involved in this case," said NJ TRANSIT Police Chief Christopher Trucillo. "The officers who were on point in observing the unattended luggage in Penn Station, the officers who tracked the suspect's movements and passed the information to their fellow officers in the Trenton Transit Center; and Transit officers in Trenton who then located and took the suspect in custody. The case did not stop there. NJ TRANSIT detectives, along with investigators from other law enforcement agencies, continued to work the case that eventually led to the suspect's indictment. The collective actions of law enforcement eliminated the possible carnage that could have been caused by the weapons involved in this case." "The indictment of this individual underscores the severe threat posed by those who amass illegal weapons with blatant disregard for public safety," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "The swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement prevented a potentially catastrophic event. By seizing these illegal firearms—including assault rifles, large-capacity magazines, silencers, and a booby-trapped rifle that discharged—officers averted a tragedy. Our unwavering commitment remains: to protect our communities and ensure that individuals who jeopardize public safety are held accountable." "ATF and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, investigating, and disrupting such criminal actions that endanger the lives of the public," said Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division. "We will continue to pursue those who attempt to operate outside of the law and who illegally sell, posses, and are trafficking firearms. We are proud of our partnerships with state and local agencies who work collectively to hold these individuals accountable for their actions." What's next According to his charges, here's what Kennerk is facing: Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Fourth-degree offenses carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The Source The information in this story is from the New Jersey Attornery General's Office.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man busted moving arsenal of guns, ammo through Newark Penn Station
A Florida man accused of transporting suitcases full of guns and ammunition through the New Jersey rail system was indicted on Wednesday, authorities said. According to prosecutors, a New Jersey Transit police officer patrolling Newark Penn Station noticed an unattended zebra-print suitcase near the Newark subway entrance on Jan. 3 and called for a K9 unit. Inside that bag was a Girsan Regard MC handgun with a fully loaded 18-round magazine, an AK-47-style rifle with a round in its chamber and multiple loaded magazines, along with an AR-style magazine and four boxes filled with .223 caliber bullets, authorities said. Train station surveillance video allegedly showed Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, leaving that bag behind and carrying a maroon suitcase to an Amtrak ticket window. Cops learned he was headed toward the Trenton Transit Center, where a pair of officers encountered Kennerk and asked to see his ticket. The suspect showed police a valid transit pass, but it wasn't for the train he was on, prosecutors said. He was told to wait for another train that was arriving in an hour. While he was waiting, cops in Trenton were notified of 'a person of interest wanted for weapons possession in Newark' and moved in on Kennerk. Inside the suitcase he was still carrying, police allegedly discovered weapons including an AR-15-style rifle, several handguns and a second rifle with tissue wrapped around its trigger, as well as silencers and loads of ammunition including hollow point bullets. The second rifle, according to prosecutors, appeared to have been booby-trapped. 'The officer placed the muzzle into the suitcase pointed at the ground and attempted to remove one of the handkerchiefs to render it safe, at which time the firearm discharged without the officer engaging the trigger,' the New Jersey Attorney General's Office claimed in its indictment. No injuries were reported. 'This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers,' according to Attorney General Matthew Platkin. 'If not for the outstanding police work done in this matter, we can only imagine where this defendant and these weapons would have ended up.' Charges against Kennerk include possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of an assault firearm and aggravated assault. It's unclear what he planned to do with the portable arsenal.
