SAYREVILLE - The manager of a Route 35 strip club was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with several weapons offenses after he exited the business wearing a ballistic vest, military helmet and armed with an AK-47 firearm and a loaded magazine for the weapon.

And after Kevin Smith, who is also known as Kevin Papalia, 32, was taken in custody, police removed a second tactical vest and several loaded, large-capacity magazines from inside the manager’s office of Visions Gentlemen’s Club.

In addition, a rifle, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and body armor was recovered by police at Smith's Keyport home.

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The afternoon incident occurred around 4 p.m. on the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and resulted in traffic being diverted on Route 35 at the Victory Bridge while the investigation was ongoing.

Around 4:04 p.m., Sayreville police were dispatched to the club in the Melrose section of Sayreville after receiving a call about an employee with a firearm, Middlesesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski said in a statement.

Smith was identified as the person with the firearm and police spotted him exit the strip club and drive off while wearing the ballistic vest, a military-style helmet and and carrying the firearm.

He was stopped a short distance from the business and surrendered. Once apprehended, police removed the tactical ballistic vest, helmet, AK-47 style firearm and the loaded magazine from Smith's possession.

Smith was then transported to Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy.

“On 9/11, a day in America’s history where, we show our support for our first responders, we are indebted to the police officers involved in this matter for their extraordinary efforts to preserve life and keep the community safe,” Carey said in the statement.

Carey also thanked the Keyport Police Department for their assistance.

“This incident quickly unfolded and the decision not to immediately confront this individual was the right choice. The restraint utilized by the responding officers defused a potentially tragic confrontation," Zebrowski said in the statement.

Smith was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of large capacity magazines and unlawful use of a body vest.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Sayreville Police Capt. Jack Fitzsimmons, division commander, at 732-525-5409.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com