BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Police arrested a man on multiple weapons and drug charges after responding to a report of a possible shooting victim at a residence on U.S. Route 22.
Officers were dispatched to the location on Jan. 21, 2026, and determined no shooting had occurred.
Police found a deceased adult male inside the residence with no visible signs of trauma.
The cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending examination by the New Jersey State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officers observed a firearm in plain view inside the residence during the preliminary investigation.
Investigators obtained a search warrant authorized by the Superior Court of New Jersey.
Execution of the search warrant resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, edged weapons, and suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia from a bedroom.
Police arrested Lance Chillemi, 38, of Bridgewater, and charged him with four counts of certain persons not to have weapons, second degree; two counts of certain persons not to have weapons, fourth degree; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, third degree; possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly persons offense; and possession of a prohibited weapon, third degree.
Chillemi was transported to the Somerset County Jail pending his first court appearance.
