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An Asbury Park resident was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he admitted he threw two handguns out of a window while leading police on a motor vehicle chase throughout the city last year, according to a news release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Christopher Melendez, 27, was sentenced Friday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci, Jr., J.S.C. on charges of second degree eluding, certain persons not to have weapons, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute within 500-feet of a public park, possession of a weapon in the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense; three counts of second degree unlawful possession of a weapon; two counts of fourth degree aggravated assault on a police officer, one count of fourth degree possession of a defaced firearm; and motor vehicle charges for reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

The sentence comes with a 10-year period of parole ineligibility.

The charges stem from a February 7, 2013, incident when Melendez led police on a motor vehicle chase throughout the city that ended when he crashed his car into a patrol vehicle. During the chase, Asbury Park residents saw Melendez toss two handguns out of the vehicle, which he later admitted to.

After the chase ended, police found a third handgun and over 200 bags of heroin in the Melendez’ vehicle.

The three handguns were recovered, with one having a defaced serial number. Melendez was previously convicted of burglary, which prohibited him from purchasing, owning, possessing or controlling a firearm, the release stated.

The case was handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Margaret Koping.

Melendez is represented by Alexander DeSevo, Esq., of Freehold.

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