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A Long Branch and Colts Neck man were arrested Wednesday in connection to weapons possession charges, according to Deal Police Department news statement.

Christopher Willis, 27 of Long Branch, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of hollow point bullets, resisting arrest, obstruction, and being a person not to possess weapons.

Paul Kula III, 26 of Colts Neck, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of hollow point bullets, being a certain persons not to have weapons, speeding, having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and failure to exhibit documents.

The arrests followed a motor vehicle speeding violation stop near 4:14 p.m. when officers witnessed a silver Audi exceeding the posted speed limit along Norwood Avenue near Roosevelt Avenue, according to the news release.

During the course of the motor vehicle stop, police asked the occupants to exit the vehicle, at which time Willis began to flee on foot, running westbound on Roosevelt Avenue. Following a brief foot pursuit, the officers were able to apprehend Willis and take him into custody.

A subsequent investigation revealed the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of a loaded .45 caliber handgun and additional ammunition.

Willis and Kula were remanded to Monmouth County Jail where they await a first appearance.

The officers involved in the investigation include Lt Matt Sharin, Sgt Dan Kobil, Ptl Joe Ammaturo, Det Dan Liptak and Ptl Jeff Kless.

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