🚔 LPR ALERT LEADS TO ARREST & RECOVERY OF LOADED, DEFACED HANDGUN IN WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — August 27, 2026 — A License Plate Reader alert helped Washington Township police locate and arrest a 20-year-old Turnersville man who authorities say was wanted in connection with an investigation involving an alleged handgun and statements about robbing a local resident.

According to the Washington Township Police Department, officers began investigating John Stuhl, 20, of Turnersville, on Friday night after receiving a complaint that he was allegedly in possession of a handgun and had made statements indicating an intent to rob a Washington Township resident.

Police said investigators developed evidence indicating Stuhl possessed a handgun. Following consultation with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, criminal complaints were filed and an arrest warrant was authorized.

The following evening, Washington Township’s License Plate Reader network alerted officers after Stuhl’s vehicle entered the township on Hurffville-Cross Keys Road near the Cross Keys Bypass.

Fourth Platoon officers immediately began searching for the vehicle. Lt. Allen subsequently located it on Egg Harbor Road near Ganttown Road, where officers closed the roadway in both directions and conducted a high-risk motor vehicle stop.

Stuhl was taken into custody without incident by Officer Kyle Fisler.

Police secured the vehicle while Detective Matt Franchi obtained a search warrant. During the subsequent search, investigators reportedly recovered a 9mm Ruger handgun loaded with five rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Police said the firearm’s serial number had been defaced.

Stuhl was charged with:

🔴 Harassment 🔴 Unlawful Possession of a Handgun 🔴 Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under 21 🔴 Possession of a Defaced Firearm

Authorities said Stuhl was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Police credited the department’s intelligence-led policing efforts and LPR network with helping officers quickly locate the vehicle after the arrest warrant was issued.

📸 PHOTO CREDIT: Washington Township Police Department

⚖️ IMPORTANT: The charges against Stuhl are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Washington Township Police Department Detective Bureau at 856-589-0330.

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