GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 61-year-old man was arrested after firing a "less lethal" gun in multiple parking lots, the Gloucester Township Police Department said.
Gary Garadetsky, of Blackwood, was charged with three counts of third-degree possession of prohibited weapons and devices, three counts of fourth-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and three counts of criminal mischief.
The Department received three reports between December 2025 and May 2026 of a man who shot what appeared to be a gun in commercial parking lots and caused property damage in the area of Blackwood Clementon Road.
Heightened emergency responses from law enforcement acted at the scene after businesses and people nearby reported the active gunfire.
Detectives identified Garadetsky and determined that the gun was a device marketed as "less lethal" or "self-defense" that fires solid metal kinetic ball projectiles.
These weapons may also fire pepper irritant projectiles or rubber balls, and can pose serious safety risks.
On Tuesday, a search warrant was carried out at Garadetsky's home and vehicle. Authorities confiscated four of these devices and multiple solid metal ball projectiles.
Garadetsky was arrested and taken to the Camden County Jail.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed these acts is asked to contact police immediately at (856) 228-4500.
According to the Department, anonymous submissions can be entered here, by calling (856) 842-5560, or by sending a message to 888777 with "TIPGLOTWPPD" and the information.
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