A reckless night on the Atlantic City Expressway has led to serious consequences for a Salem County man who now faces significant prison time after pleading guilty to multiple gun charges this week.
On Tuesday, 36-year-old Akeem Statin of Penns Grove entered guilty pleas to second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. The charges stem from an October 27th, 2023 incident that began with reports of an erratic driver traveling at dangerous speeds on our region's main expressway.
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey state troopers received multiple reports that evening of a driver exceeding 100 MPH while swerving into traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway. The behavior posed a serious threat to other motorists traveling the heavily-used roadway that connects our communities to the shore.
When troopers pulled Statin over, they immediately observed signs of intoxication. Officials report that Statin admitted to consuming "a couple of drinks and a couple of shots" before getting behind the wheel. He was arrested for driving under the influence, and troopers proceeded to search his vehicle for the source of the alcohol.
What they discovered elevated the situation significantly: a loaded handgun in the center console. The weapon itself would have been problematic, but prosecutors revealed that Statin has a prior conviction that legally prohibits him from possessing any firearms whatsoever.
This case underscores the layered dangers that can emerge from impaired driving. What began as a DUI stop revealed a convicted felon illegally armed while operating a vehicle at extreme speeds on a public highway. The combination of alcohol, excessive speed, and an illegal firearm created a potentially catastrophic situation for everyone on the road that night.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 31st. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Statin faces eight years in state prison, subject to five years of parole ineligibility. This means he would need to serve at least five years before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious legal consequences that await those who combine impaired driving with illegal weapons possession. For our community, it also highlights the vigilance of state troopers who patrol our highways and the importance of fellow motorists reporting dangerous driving behavior when they witness it.
