A 19-year-old man from Newark has been charged with weapons offenses after allegedly brandishing a handgun at a mall in Bergen County, New Jersey. The incident took place on Tuesday evening at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, prompting a swift response from the police.
According to Paramus police, the incident was reported around 9 p.m. by mall security after a customer observed the suspect, identified as Charlie Williams, wearing a ski mask and pulling a firearm from his waistband. Following the display of the handgun, Williams fled the scene in a 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
Police Detective Michael Focarino reviewed surveillance footage that confirmed the alarming situation, where it was noted that Williams was “brandishing the firearm.” Authorities have not disclosed whether he pointed the weapon at anyone in the vicinity during the incident. Chief Robert Guidetti mentioned that the event was reported to security two hours after it occurred, as the mall was still open to shoppers.
On Wednesday morning, around 6:45 a.m., Newark police located both the vehicle and the suspect based on the earlier description. They promptly contacted Paramus police, leading to Williams’ arrest. He has been charged with second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon. Williams is currently held at the Bergen County Jail as he awaits court proceedings.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in public spaces and the role of law enforcement in swiftly addressing potential threats to community safety.