North Plainfield, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and North Plainfield Chief of Police William Parenti announced that Bryanna Gomez-Vanwyk, 26 of Perth Amboy, is wanted in relation to an aggravated assault, terroristic threats and unlawful possession of a weapon investigation out of North Plainfield.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, August 12, 2019, at approximately 9:30 PM, Somerset County Communications received numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting shots fired at a sports bar and grill located on Route 22 East in North Plainfield.
Officers from the North Plainfield Police Department arrived within minutes and observed patrons running from the restaurant and hiding behind vehicles.
Police say officers immediately entered and cleared the restaurant, learning that the suspect had fled just before their arrival. Patrons reported to officers that a female had entered the front door of the restaurant brandishing a weapon, yelling obscenities and demanding to see a male employee.
Employees and witnesses told police that the female had pointed the weapon directly at them while yelling. Police located a large knife and several paintballs at the scene, as well as additional items which led to the identification of the suspect.
Police were able to view video surveillance from the sports bar and grill and determined that the weapon was, in fact, a paintball gun which appeared to be inoperable. Preliminary investigation has indicated that this was a domestic dispute between the female suspect and a male employee of the sports bar and grill. Police have identified the suspect as 26-year old Bryanna Gomez-Vanwyk of Perth Amboy New Jersey.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized charges of 3rd degree Aggravated Assault, 3rd degree Terroristic Threats, and 3rd-degree Unlawful Possession of Weapon against Gomez-Vanwyk.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief Parenti request anyone with information relating to this incident or who has information regarding Gomez- Vanwyk’s location, to contact the North Plainfield Police Department at (908) 769-2937