A Galloway Township man found with a handgun in his car after fleeing two minor crashes was ordered held in jail pending trial.
Keith Ospina, 36, was arrested for driving under the influence after an investigation into two hit-and-run accidents led to him police previously said.
A search of his vehicle recovered a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun with a large-capacity magazine, along with less than 50 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to the report.
But Ospina's attorney said that the gun was not loaded.
Attorney Melissa Rosenblum also said her client was cooperative.
"He ran from an accident scene. Do you call that cooperative?" Superior Court Judge Patricia Wild asked.
"His car allegedly bumped the car in front of him," Rosenblum said. "I know it says accident, and I'm not in anyway justifying him driving away, but it's important to know what kind of accident it is."
She then noted that Ospina's mom is supportive.
"She's so supportive she asked if she could take the back pack out of his car," the judge said, indicating that may have been where the gun was found. "That's a nice touch."
Wild then ordered Ospina be detained.
