FAIRFIELD, NJ — A 20-year-old man was arrested on weapons charges following an incident at the Fairfield Recreational Complex on Monday evening.
Yilmaz Akkoc, of Morris Plains, was taken into custody after allegedly brandishing a knife at a group of juveniles during a dispute over a soccer ball.
Police headquarters received a 911 call at approximately 6:14 p.m. from a juvenile who reported that a man had threatened him and his friends with a knife while they were on the turf field.
Officers responded to the scene and met with a group of individuals who initially denied that anything had occurred.
Fairfield Special Police Officer Juan Barroso, who was at the park off-duty at the time, assisted officers and directed them to one of the victims and his mother.
The victim explained that an argument had ensued between the two groups over a soccer ball, and during the argument one male allegedly brandished a gold colored knife from his bag and threatened the younger group.
Upon speaking with the group a second time, officers identified and spoke with Akkoc, who allegedly admitted to pulling the knife.
A gold colored knife matching the description provided by the juvenile was located in a bag belonging to Akkoc.
Akkoc was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and simple assault-menacing.
It has not yet been determined if Akkoc will be remanded to the Essex County Jail or released pending an initial court appearance.
