By: Tracie Carter
Authorities in Morris County have arrested a New Mexico man accused of firing multiple shotgun rounds at vehicles and a residence in Butler early Sunday morning.
According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Garrett Brogan, 34, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, allegedly drove across the country before arriving in New Jersey and carrying out the shooting on Washington Street.
Butler police responded to reports of gunfire around 2:51 a.m. on November 8. Officers arriving at the scene reportedly spotted Brogan fleeing into a wooded area, prompting an extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Morris County Sheriff's Emergency Response Team, K-9 units and officers assisted in the search, which also involved drone surveillance.
Authorities safely evacuated one resident from a nearby home before taking Brogan into custody at approximately 4:40 a.m.
Investigators said Brogan had traveled from New Mexico and stopped at a hotel in Wayne before allegedly driving to Butler and firing eight rounds that struck vehicle windshields, other vehicles and a residence.
A shotgun and ammunition were recovered from the wooded area.
No injuries were reported.
Brogan was charged on November 9 with unlawful possession of a shotgun, criminal mischief and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
He remains in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
Prosecutor Carroll credited the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Butler police and responding law enforcement personnel for their handling of the incident.
The investigation remains active.