A city man fleeing from police through 11th 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 11th Avenue towards East 31st Street. He allegedly tossed the handgun over a fence into the backyard of 500 11th 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.