Alleged plot to kill Shore police officer sparks gun, drug arrests

Police in New Jersey say an investigation of an alleged plot to kill a police officer resulted in the arrests of three people on firearm and drug charges.

Asbury Park police say the probe began after a report that Salik Hinton, 28, of Neptune and a reputed local gang member, had told several people that “he was plotting to kill an Asbury Park police officer.”

Authorities searched an Asbury Park home early Friday and arrested two men, Hinton and Willie Clark, 32, and a woman, Shakira Smith, 31, both of Asbury Park.

All are facing charges of possessing a defaced firearm (a loaded .45 caliber handgun), unlawfully possessing a weapon, and drug possession. Smith was also arrested on two child endangerment counts.

Police reported finding weapons, drugs and cash as well as an $800 bicycle bought “from a drug addict on the streets for $5.”

No charges have been filed in connection with the reported plot. An investigation is ongoing.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report