Lakewood police arrested a township man following two related firearm incidents that occurred on the night of December 21 and into the early morning hours of December 22.
According to the Lakewood Police Department, officers first responded to a report of an aggravated assault involving a firearm. Investigators learned that a male suspect had allegedly pointed a gun at another individual, made verbal threats, and then fled the area in a black vehicle.
Shortly after clearing that scene, officers were dispatched to Laurel Avenue following reports of multiple gunshots several blocks away. Police located spent shell casings at the scene, and witnesses reported seeing a black vehicle occupied by a single individual shortly before the shots were fired.
Through their investigation, officers determined that the same vehicle and suspect were involved in both incidents. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Julio Cordongiron, police said.
Officers later located the vehicle parked on Ocean Avenue. When Cordongiron entered the vehicle and attempted to leave the area, police conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody without incident. During the encounter, officers found him in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
The vehicle was secured and searched pursuant to a court-authorized warrant, leading to the recovery of a loaded firearm. Detectives also executed a search warrant at a residence associated with Cordongiron, where they seized a large quantity of a controlled dangerous substance.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incidents.
Cordongiron was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was lodged at the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed.