Paterson police recover three guns, including an AK-47, in two overnight incidents
By Jonathan Greene
Published: June 24, 2020
The police seized three weapons, including a loaded AK-47 assault rifle, in two separate incidents overnight, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Police seized a loaded AK-47, a .38 caliber revolver, and a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Police seized the assault rifle and the revolver after chasing a suspect into a Park Avenue backyard at around 11:20 p.m. on Tuesday. Police saw the suspect carrying an AK-47 on 16th Avenue between Rosa Parks Boulevard and East 18th Street.
Detectives began to chase the suspect. He ran and fired the weapon into the air. He ran through backyards, dropping the two weapons.
Police set up a perimeter to conduct a manhunt, but the suspect eluded them.
Both weapons were later found in two yards. Police said when the suspect fired into the air projectiles entered a residence on 16th Avenue, but no one was injured.
“The officers displayed great restraint in this dangerous situation,” Speziale said.
Police seized the semi-automatic handgun in the area of East 32nd Street and 11th Avenue at around 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday.
Detectives observed a group of people acting disorderly and drinking in public outside School 26.
Police exited their vehicles and a suspect ran, He dropped the handgun on the pavement while running. He ran into the backyard area of 11th Avenue and East 32nd Street and evaded police.
Police said the weapon was reported stolen out of Georgia.