Officer Allegedly Threatened Roommate With Guns

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  OCEAN TOWNSHIP – A Rutgers University police officer allegedly threatened his roommate with firearms and harassed a girlfriend. He has since been suspended without pay.

  William Tartis, 27, of Ocean Township in Monmouth County, was charged with second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree aggravated assault.

  Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.

  Police said Tartis would aim a shotgun or handgun at his roommate, pretending to shoot him. Sometimes, it was when he was asking for rent money or turning down the volume on the television. He was also charged with domestic violence harassment of a woman who had recently begun a relationship with him.

  Ten firearms, including his duty weapon, were seized from his home. He began his current employment with Rutgers in January.

   “William Tartis’ actions, as alleged, are horrendous and do not reflect upon the excellent work of the members of the Rutgers University Police Department. Upon notification, our internal affairs bureau fully cooperated with the investigating agencies and Mr. Tartis has been suspended without pay,” said Rutgers University Executive Director of Public Safety, Chief Kenneth Cop.

  If convicted, of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Tartis faces a sentence of five to ten years in a New Jersey state prison. If convicted of aggravated assault, he faces up to 18 months in state prison. The domestic violence harassment charge is a petty disorderly persons offense.

  Anyone with additional information regarding this suspect is urged to call Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective John Sosdian at 1-800-533-7443 or Ocean Township Police Department Detective Jesse Orbach at 732-531-1800. Anonymous tips can be sent to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; or by going to the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com