CHARGED & ARRESTED:
JARED BENKA-COKER
STEWARTSVILLE, NEW JERSEY
AGE: 18
On Monday, February 24, 2025, at approximately 3:15 P.M., members of the Phillipsburg Police Department
responded to the area of Stockton Street, Spruce Alley, and Sitgreaves Street after receiving an alert from
Phillipsburg’s ShotSpotter. Upon patrols arrival, officers were informed that no one had been shot but that an
individual/s had discharged a firearm. During the course of the investigation, Jared Benka-Coker was found to
be in possession of a .40 caliber Glock handgun, loaded with a large capacity magazine, and subsequently arrested
by the Phillipsburg Police Department.
Benka-Coker was charged with the offenses below, as a result of the investigation, and is currently being held in
the Warren County Correctional Center in Belvidere, New Jersey.
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a permit, in violation
of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1), a crime of the second degree.
- Possession of a large capacity magazine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j, a crime of the fourth degree.
Second degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in the New Jersey State Prison and fourth degree
crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in the New Jersey State Prison.
The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond
a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police assisted the Phillipsburg Police
Department with the investigation.
The Phillipsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying additional individuals
involved in the exchange of gunfire. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective
Cupon (908)835-2002.
