On Friday, December 5th, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Detective Richard Cocca and Patrolman John Fitzgerald arrested Said Lopez, age 18, from Roselle Park for Possession of an Imitation Firearm and Disorderly Conduct (creating public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm).
This arrest was the result of a follow-up investigation regarding an incident that occurred on two evenings before, on December 3rd, in the area of the Roselle Park High School (RPHS) where four (4) juvenile males reported observing a male running toward them carrying a shotgun. Immediately after observing the male, the group ran away and contacted a parent who, in turn, contacted police.
Through a follow-up investigation, it was learned that Lopez was carrying his Airsoft pellet gun out in the open and it resembled an assault rifle. It was also learned that the firearm was never pointed at the juveniles and threats were never made. Said Lopez was charged with Possession of an Imitation Firearm (4th degree crime) and Disorderly Conduct (Disorderly Persons offense).
Mr. Lopez was released with a court date.