Paterson police recover handgun discarded by suspect from bottom of pool

A city man fleeing from police through 11^th Avenue discarded a handgun into a backyard pool, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.

Daniel Morgan, 26-year-old, has been charged with weapons offenses. He was among a group of people playing loud music and drinking in public at School 26 at around 11:15 p.m. When police arrived, Morgan broke away from the group and tried to hide behind a parked vehicle.

Morgan allegedly tried to hide a gun that was in his waistband. As police approached him, Morgan began to run on 11^th Avenue towards East 31^st Street. He allegedly tossed the handgun over a fence into the backyard of 500 11^th Avenue while fleeing from police.

Morgan tried to flee through backyards, trying to scale a fence, but failed. He was placed under arrest by the chasing officers.

Police returned to the site where Morgan allegedly discarded his weapon. A Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun was at the bottom of a pool in a backyard. Police recovered the handgun and are sending it to New Jersey State Police Ballistics Laboratory to determine if it was used to commit other crimes.

Morgan was processed at headquarters and is being held at the Passaic County Jail pending a hearing.

TK Kirkland

What?! lol 11th ave & 31st??? There’s absolutely nothing “hood” about that area…esp to carry a concealed weapon smh…These kids are listening to way too much rap music and/or playing too much COD…
- HankMorgan
  
  Heh heh. Three blocks from epicenter of open air drug market on 10th. Also, the city schoolyards are notorious gang meeting places. You’ve been living in Montclair too long.
  - TK Kirkland
    
    Not to sound like a know-it-all but; I knew of all that. They must be moving onto the side blocks then. Residents obviously must’ve given up in fear of retaliation. Wasn’t like that in the 90s. Tenants/owners would report a criminal in a heartbeat!
    - HankMorgan
      
      Hey, man. The 90’s was thirty years ago.
      - HankMorgan
        
        And crack ruled the ‘hood in the eighties.
      - HankMorgan
        
        You’re so arrogant but so unhip to what actually happens. Keep the jokes comin’ though. Gotta make a living, right?
      - TK Kirkland
        
        lol Why should I be hip to a bunch of lifelong crooks (politicians included) of Paterson when I made it out? I just tap in on here to keep in tune sometimes. You know the saying I’m sure “There’s no place like home”
      - HankMorgan
        
        I’m glad you’re interested enough to keep up with the news and comment.