By: Richard L. Smith
A 13-year-old boy and two adults were arrested following a gun threat incident at the Quality Inn in Wayne on July 20, according to information released by the Wayne Police Department.
Police said officers responded to the motel around 1:36 p.m. after receiving reports of a male suspect threatening others while claiming to have a gun inside a fanny pack.
Witnesses reported the suspect repeatedly saying, “I will shoot you.”
Upon arrival, officers initially detained a man and a woman who matched the description given.
Moments later, the caller informed police that the individual making the threats was hiding in nearby bushes. The suspect, identified as a 13-year-old boy from Paterson, was ordered out and taken into custody.
A search of the area revealed a black fanny pack containing a Ruger .45 caliber handgun and a loaded magazine. Motel security footage later confirmed the juvenile was seen carrying the bag and hiding it when police arrived.
Investigators determined the two detained adults, identified as Brimary Vasquez Navarro, 21, of Corona, NY, and Jeremy Abanto Randiche, 22, of Paterson, were connected to the juvenile.
Officers also discovered stolen retail merchandise with price tags still attached, along with anti-shoplifting tools, among their belongings.
Navarro and Randiche were charged with employing a juvenile in a crime, child endangerment, receiving stolen property, and possession of anti-shoplifting devices.
Randiche was additionally found to have outstanding warrants and was transferred, along with Navarro, to the Passaic County Jail.
The juvenile faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, terroristic threats, and possession of a handgun by a minor.
He was placed in the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.
Police commended the quick response of officers who secured the scene and removed a loaded firearm from the situation. The investigation remains ongoing.