LAKEWOOD — A Township resident was taken into custody after police investigated a string of overnight incidents involving a firearm and reported gunfire in different areas of the township, authorities said.
The Lakewood Police Department said officers responded late Tuesday night into the early morning hours to reports of an aggravated assault involving a gun, followed by a separate call for shots fired.
Police said the initial incident involved a suspect who allegedly threatened another person while displaying a firearm before leaving the scene in a dark-colored vehicle. Not long afterward, officers were dispatched to the Laurel Avenue area, where witnesses reported hearing several gunshots.
At that location, investigators recovered shell casings and learned that a black vehicle occupied by a single individual had fled the area shortly before police arrived. Through their investigation, officers determined that both incidents were connected.
The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Julio Cordongiron of Lakewood. Police later located the vehicle parked along Ocean Avenue. When Cordongiron attempted to drive away, officers stopped the vehicle and arrested him without incident. Authorities said he was also found to be in possession of suspected controlled dangerous substances at the time of his arrest.
Following the execution of court-approved search warrants, police recovered a loaded handgun from the vehicle and seized a significant quantity of suspected drugs from a residence linked to Cordongiron, officials said.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incidents.
Cordongiron was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending court proceedings.
Police said the investigation is continuing and additional charges remain possible. The incident was first reported by The Lakewood Scoop.
