Grenade launcher found in Howell pot bust

HOWELL - Township police found a grenade launcher among a cache of weapons and 30 marijuana plants in a raid at a home that formerly housed commanding officers for Naval Weapons Station Earle.

On Friday morning, police searched the home on Route 34, according to a statement from Howell police. Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez stressed that the home is no longer owned by the Navy.

Police say they found marijuana plants, one gram of cocaine, a sawed-off shotgun, a handgun, rifles and shotguns and the grenade launcher. The grenade launcher is capable of firing 37mm explosive rounds, according to Antunez. It wasn't loaded.

Police don't believe the guns were stolen.

Christopher Kilbride, who lived in the home, was arrested and charged with possession of a destructive device in connection to the grenade launcher, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, operating a marijuana grow, possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of weapons while involved in drug distribution, according to Howell police. He was taken to Monmouth County jail.

Attorney Rich Lomurro said in an email that he represents Kilbride, his client is 42 years old and will enter a plea of not guilty. He said a judge reduced Kilbride's bail to $225,000 from $352,000.

One of Kilbride's friends, Amy O’Connor, 25, of Manasquan, was arrested and charged with possession of a crack pipe and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, according to the statement. She was released on a summons.

The operation involved members of the Howell Township Police Department Crime Suppression Unit, Lt. Thomas Rizzo, Patrolman TJ Hurley, Patrolman Ryan Richards and Patrolman Nicholas Bonadrew.

Andrew Ford: 732-643-4281; aford3@gannettnj.com