Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: 23-Year-Old Man Arrested On Unlawful Assault Firearm Possession & Related Charges

A Monmouth County man was arrested on Tuesday on possession of an assault firearm and related charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Eshawn T. Richardson, 23, of Asbury Park, has been charged with: second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon (assault firearm), fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapons and devices (large capacity magazine), fourth-degree obstruction, fourth-degree resisting arrest, and the disorderly persons offense of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

If convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon, Richardson faces a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison. If convicted of any of the fourth-degree charges, Richardson faces up to 18 months in prison. The disorderly persons charge carries a sentence of up to six months in jail.

Richardson is currently being detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold until his initial appearance and detention hearing.

The incident report …

On Tuesday Sept. 29 at 12:07 a.m., Neptune Township police responded to a 911 call of shots fired. Officers arrived and investigated. The investigation led to the recovery of an American Tactical Mil Sport rifle loaded with .223 rounds and other evidence on a trail between Sunshine Park and Graham Avenue.

Officers found Richardson in close proximity to the trail. Richardson fled from the officers on foot, but was apprehended and taken into custody a short time later.

After the arrest, a joint investigation was conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Neptune Township Police Department. The investigation revealed that while no victims were injured, a residence on the opposite side of Route 18 was damaged by gunfire around the same time.

The shooting of the residence remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Daniel Newman at (800)-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Mysonn Ledet at (732)-988-8000 x420.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by: calling the confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182); calling 800-671-4400; or going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

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