Newark Teen Charged for Gun Incident at Garden State Plaza
A Newark teenager has been charged in connection with a gun incident at the Westfield Garden State Plaza. This incident unfolded on December 30, shortly after a separate shooting occurred at the Willowbrook Mall. Law enforcement officials report a rising concern over gun-related incidents in these locations.
Incident Overview
The incident at Garden State Plaza took place around 9:30 p.m. on the same day as the Willowbrook Mall shooting. Security at the mall observed a suspicious individual brandishing a firearm. Following protocol, security alerted Paramus police about the situation.
Suspect Details
- The suspect fled in a 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
- Security footage confirmed the suspect was displaying a gun.
- On the morning of December 31, police located the suspect’s vehicle around 6:45 a.m.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities arrested the 19-year-old Newark man after confirming his identity matched that of the reported suspect. He faces serious charges, including:
- Second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
Following his arrest, the teenager was taken to Bergen County jail, where he awaits a court appearance.
Related Shooting Incident
This arrest comes on the heels of a shooting incident at Willowbrook Mall, where a firearm was discharged around 7 p.m. that same evening. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and authorities have stated there is currently no threat to the public.
Police confirmed that two adults and one juvenile have also been taken into custody in connection with the Willowbrook incident, as investigations continue.
