Paterson man with loaded rifle was sleeping in car outside girlfriend’s house, police say
By Jonathan Greene
Published: July 5, 2020
A city man with a rifle slung around his shoulder was sleeping inside a car outside of his girlfriend’s house on Warren Street early Sunday morning, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Kwame Morrison was inside a red 2020 Honda Accord LX with a temporary plate that was double parked with engine off and headlights on in front of 98 Warren Street at around 6:30 a.m.
Police knocked on the windows of the vehicle to try to wake up the unresponsive man. He was sitting in the driver’s seat of the car. Officer gained access through the driver side door to make contact with him.
Officers conducted a welfare check on Morrison. He told the officers he was taking a nap in front of his girlfriend’s house. Police asked him for identification and to step out of the car.
Morrison refused to step out of the vehicle. He was hunched over with his hands inside his hoodie.
Officers ordered him to take his hands out of his pocket and step out of the vehicle. He showed his hands to the officers. As he tried to stand up, police saw the muzzle of a gun. Officers ordered him to show his hands and not to move.
Morrison did not comply. He tried to place his hands on the weapon and began to lift his hoodie, police said.
The Mossberg International 715P .22 caliber pistol grip rifle with a sling was over Morrison. Police recovered the weapon by cutting the sling from around Morrison’s shoulder.
Police officer Fernando Saint-Hilaire cut the sling while officer Mark Alvarez covered the suspect for safety.
Speziale said both police officers handled a “very dangerous situation.”
Morrison was placed under arrest and taken to headquarters for processing. Police said the weapon was loaded with 23 rounds.
Morrison was charged with unlawful possession of weapon, and possession of prohibited weapon, police said.
Correction: A previous version of this report erroneously mentioned a police officer Maria Alvarez. Story has been revised to reflect the officer involved was Mark Alvarez.