LAKEWOOD, NJ — A 39-year-old man is facing multiple charges after police responded to separate reports of an aggravated assault involving a firearm and shots fired on the evening of Dec. 21 and into the early morning hours of Dec. 22.
Police said a male suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at another individual earlier in the evening and made verbal threats before fleeing the area in a black vehicle.
The same individual and vehicle were later determined to be involved in a shots fired incident several blocks away, according to police.
Officers responded to the area of Laurel Avenue for a report of multiple gunshots.
Officers located spent shell casings, and witnesses reported observing a black vehicle occupied by a single individual prior to hearing several shots fired.
Through the investigation, patrol officers identified the vehicle involved in both incidents and determined that the operator was believed to be Julio Cordongiron, of Lakewood.
Officers later located the vehicle parked on Ocean Avenue.
While officers were observing the vehicle, Cordongiron entered the vehicle and attempted to leave the area, police said.
A traffic stop was conducted, and Cordongiron was taken into custody without incident.
During the encounter, Cordongiron was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, according to police.
The vehicle was secured and later searched pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, during which a loaded firearm was recovered.
Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence associated with Cordongiron, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of a controlled dangerous substance.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incidents.
Cordongiron was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
He was lodged at the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.
