North Arlington Man Arrested for Illegal Gun Possession After Traffic Stop

Police found a loaded handgun in the vehicle after pulling over the driver for driving without headlights and an invalid license.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 25-year-old man from Phillipsburg, New Jersey was arrested by the North Arlington Police Department after they pulled him over for driving without his headlights on and discovered he was driving with a suspended license and an unregistered vehicle. Further investigation led to the recovery of a loaded .380 caliber handgun inside the vehicle, resulting in charges for unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of a simulated motor vehicle insurance card.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of proactive policing and how a routine traffic stop can uncover more serious criminal activity. The recovery of an illegal firearm from the vehicle helps remove a dangerous weapon from the streets and prevent potential gun violence in the community.

The details

According to Lt. David Hudak of the North Arlington Police Department, on March 9, 2026 around 3:13 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on Ridge Road after observing a vehicle traveling without its headlights on. The driver, identified as Bliss Williams, was unable to provide proper vehicle documentation, and an investigation revealed his driver's license was suspended and the vehicle was unregistered. Williams also attempted to provide what officers determined was a fraudulent motor vehicle insurance card. Further investigation led to the recovery of a loaded .380 caliber handgun inside the vehicle.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, at approximately 3:13 a.m., North Arlington police officers conducted the traffic stop.

The players

Bliss Williams

A 25-year-old man from Phillipsburg, New Jersey who was arrested for unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of a simulated motor vehicle insurance card.

Lt. David Hudak

A lieutenant with the North Arlington Police Department who provided details about the incident.

Chief of Police Michael Horton

The chief of the North Arlington Police Department who commented on the importance of this type of police work in keeping the community safe.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is exactly the type of police work that keeps our community safe and should serve as a reminder that crime will not be tolerated in North Arlington.”

— Chief of Police Michael Horton

“This is a good example of how a routine traffic stop can uncover something much more serious. Our officers stayed alert and safely took an illegal gun off the street.”

— Lt. David Hudak

What’s next

Williams was remanded to the Bergen County Jail, Hackensack, pending court proceedings.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of vigilant policing and how a routine traffic stop can lead to the discovery of more serious criminal activity, such as the possession of an illegal firearm. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement plays a crucial role in keeping communities safe by removing dangerous weapons from the streets.