A 27-year-old man was arrested after threatening a Hillside mechanic shop owner and employees with a shotgun Monday afternoon.
According to authorities, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers responded to 1601 Maple Avenue on a report of a dispute between a customer and an auto mechanic shop involving a shotgun.
Upon arrival, officers learned that Uchechukw Nwaozor, 27, of Hillside, was upset over an estimate he received and tried to punch the employee. The employee blocked the punch and reportedly struck Nwaozor in self-defense.
Police said Nwaozor then went to his gray 1999 Buick Century to retrieve a short handle pump shotgun.
According to the victim, Nwaozor approached him with the shotgun and told another employee, “If you call the cops you’re going to get it too.”
Police said the shop owner immediately shut the bay door while he wrapped his arms around Nwaozor telling him “we’re not doing this today.”
Police said Nwaozor returned to his car and police were called.
Responding officers located Nwaozor and secured the area where detectives recovered the shotgun from Nwaozor’s Buick.
Authorities charged Nwaozor with Terroristic Threats, Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Assault and was transported to the Union County Jail.
Chief Vincent Ricciardi said, “Thanks to the quick actions of our officers and detectives, a dangerous person has been arrested and separated from his firearm. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured.”