Dead Man Found Inside Bridgewater Home, Another Man Arrested On Weapon Charges

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A man was reportedly found dead, and another man was arrested on weapon charges following an alert for police activity on Route 22 in Bridgewater on Wednesday night.

Just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Bridgewater Police Officers were called to a home on Route 22 East between Thompson Avenue and Vosseller Avenue for a report of a possible shooting victim, "which prompted a significant police presence at the location," said Bridgewater Police Chief John Mitzak.

Officers quickly found that no shooting had happened, but did find a dead adult man inside the home, said Mitzak.

No visible signs of trauma were seen, according to Mitzak.

The cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending further examination by the New Jersey State Medical Examiner's Office.

Additionally, while at the house, officers saw a firearm.

Investigators got a search warrant authorized by the Superior Court of New Jersey and found multiple firearms, ammunition, edged weapons, and suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia in a bedroom that belonged to Lance Chillemi, 38, of Bridgewater.

Chillemi was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Four counts of certain persons not to have weapons – second degree
• Two counts of certain persons not to have weapons – fourth degree
• Possession of a controlled dangerous substance – third degree
• Possession of drug paraphernalia - disorderly persons offense
• Possession of a prohibited weapon - third degree

Chillemi was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending his first court appearance and further judicial proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.