Cranford Police Arrest Armed Man After 'Road Rage' Incident: Cops

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford police said Friday that they arrested a Roselle man with a loaded firearm on Thursday night following an alleged "road rage" incident in which another person said the suspect pointed a gun.

Police charged Alexander Truzzolino, 37, of Roselle with 2nd degree unlawful possession of a weapon, 2nd degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and 4th degree possession of large capacity magazine.

Police said that around 8:05 p.m. Thursday, Sgt. Steven D’Ambola and Thomas Stiansen were on patrol in the area of Springfield Avenue and West End Place when they were flagged down by a resident reporting that an individual had pointed a firearm at them.

The victim described the vehicle as a white Ford van operated by a white male suspect.

According to police, both vehicles were stopped in the area of Springfield Avenue and Lafayette Place and had a confrontation. The suspect displayed a firearm to the victim, the victim told police.

Police described the matter as a "road rage" incident in a release.

D’Ambola and Stiansen quickly located the vehicle and coordinated with other patrol units to conduct a felony motor vehicle stop in the area of Municipal Lot 7 on Miln Street, police say.

Following an on-scene investigation, D’Ambola identified the sole occupant of the white Ford van as Truzzolino, who police say was found in possession of a loaded firearm believed to be a “ghost gun” with eleven (11) rounds of ammunition.

"Ghost guns" are guns that anyone can buy without a background check, as they can be assembled at home.

Truzzolino was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters without incident for processing.

Truzzolino remained in the custody of the Cranford Police Department awaiting transfer to the Union County Jail for a detention hearing, police said.

Incidents of aggression on the road can prove fatal. Earlier this year, a Pennsylvania mother of six was killed in a "road rage" incident in Maryland.

Want updates on breaking news when it happens? You can sign up for occasional breaking news alerts like this one in Cranford, or for a daily newsletter at 6 a.m. each morning with local news. Don't miss the stories your neighbors are talking about! Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.