A tense scene unfolded in Lakewood Monday night when police responded to reports of an armed man threatening people near Ocean Avenue and Congress Street.
At approximately 9:02 p.m., Officers S. Ward and S. Brooks of the Lakewood Police Department rushed to the area after receiving multiple 911 calls about a man allegedly pointing a gun at bystanders. Upon arrival, several witnesses directed officers to a man dressed entirely in black — later identified as 29-year-old Eric Hernandez-Sanchez of Lakewood — who was seen arguing with another individual in the middle of the street.
Officers quickly detained Hernandez-Sanchez. However, no firearm was found on him or in the immediate vicinity at the time of the arrest.
According to statements from victims and witnesses, Hernandez-Sanchez had allegedly made multiple threats to kill, including a statement that authorities categorized as bias in nature, all while brandishing an object that resembled a firearm.
Despite a thorough initial investigation, police could not confirm that Hernandez-Sanchez had actually been in possession of a weapon during the confrontation. Nevertheless, based on the threatening behavior and reported bias statements, Hernandez-Sanchez was arrested and charged with second-degree Bias Intimidation.
He was later transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains in custody.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.