A Toms River man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm following a 2023 traffic stop in South Toms River that led to the discovery of drugs and a loaded handgun.

Amir Reid, 32, entered his plea on July 15, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Kimarie Rahill. He admitted guilt to the charge of Certain Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, a second-degree offense under New Jersey law.

The charges stem from a July 2, 2023 incident, when officers from the South Toms River Police Department conducted a motor vehicle inquiry on a 2016 Chevrolet Impala parked outside a Wawa convenience store. The check revealed the vehicle’s registration had expired. Officers conducted a traffic stop as the car exited the lot, with Reid behind the wheel and a male passenger in the vehicle.

Reid was unable to produce valid registration or insurance. Both occupants were asked to exit the vehicle, and a K-9 unit conducted an open-air sniff, which resulted in a positive alert for narcotics. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm Taurus semi-automatic handgun.

Further investigation revealed that Reid had a prior conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, making it illegal for him to possess any weapon. He and his passenger were arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, but later released under New Jersey Bail Reform provisions.

During the plea hearing, Reid took full responsibility for the contraband and cleared his passenger of any involvement. As a result, the charges against the passenger were dismissed in the interest of justice.

Reid is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2025. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will seek a sentence of seven years in state prison, with five years of parole ineligibility.