TOMS RIVER — A Toms River man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm following a 2023 incident at a Wawa in South Toms River, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Amir Reid, 32, entered the plea on July 15 before Superior Court Judge Kimarie Rahill. He faces a recommended seven-year sentence in state prison, with five years of parole ineligibility, when he returns to court for sentencing on Sept. 19.
The charges stem from a July 2, 2023 traffic stop at the Wawa on Atlantic City Boulevard. South Toms River police stopped a 2016 Chevrolet Impala after discovering its registration had expired. Reid, who was driving, was unable to produce valid registration or insurance documents. A narcotics K-9 unit was called in and alerted to the presence of drugs.
A search of the car turned up methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun. Investigators later learned Reid had a prior conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, legally barring him from owning one.
Reid and his male passenger were taken into custody but later released under New Jersey’s bail reform guidelines. As part of his plea, Reid accepted full responsibility for the firearm and narcotics, and charges against the passenger were dismissed.
Prosecutor Billhimer credited Assistant Prosecutor Lynn Juan and the South Toms River Police Department, including its K-9 unit, for their work on the case.
