By: Richard L. Smith
A Union County jury has convicted a 62-year-old Monroe man on multiple weapons offenses stemming from a 2024 incident inside a crowded Elizabeth restaurant, authorities announced.
According to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca, and Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, Patrick Heaney, 62,was found guilty on Thursday, October 23, 2025, following a one-week trial before Union County Superior Court Judge Christopher Struben.
The jury deliberated for two days before reaching its verdict.
Heaney was convicted of several charges, including second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose; third-degree violation of New Jersey’s regulation prohibiting firearms in certain establishments such as bars or restaurants that serve alcohol; fourth-degree aggravated assault for knowingly pointing a firearm at another person; fourth-degree violation of safe carrying requirements for the unjustified display of a handgun; and fourth-degree reckless conduct for creating a risk of widespread injury or damage.
Prosecutors Peter Arre and Nicholas Ottati said the charges stem from a November 29, 2024 incident at Valenca Restaurant in Elizabeth.
Investigators determined that during a confrontation with family members, Heaney brandished a handgun and pointed it at the victim in the middle of a crowded dining room, sparking panic among patrons.
Elizabeth Police responded to the scene around 9:30 p.m., but the suspect had already fled. 
Heaney was arrested the following day, November 30, 2024, with the help of the Monroe Township Police Department.
Authorities said sentencing details have not yet been released.