Man Tossed Loaded Gun On Major Road, South Brunswick Cops Say

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A Piscataway man was arrested with an illegal gun in South Brunswick Township last Tuesday night, police said. There was a car chase, and police say he threw the loaded handgun out his car window onto a grassy area off Major Road near Falcongate Drive — right near an apartment complex home to many children.

"The suspect showed no concern for the public when he threw the loaded handgun out on the grass near an apartment complex filled with kids," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. "If not for the diligent work of the officers retracing the vehicle’s path, this case could have turned tragic.”

At 7:30 p.m. last Tuesday, Aug. 13 police received a 911 call of a dispute on Pierson Street in which a man showed a handgun. The caller reported the suspect along with three other people fled the area in a grey Volkswagen Passat. Within minutes of the call Officer Bryan Garrison observed the Volkswagen with four occupants on Northumberland Way. Officer Garrison continued to follow the vehicle awaiting additional backup as it turned onto Major Road. Officers Mike Leung and Gerry Sarno along with Sergeant Mike Kuchma caught up to Officer Garrison on Kingston Lane where they conducted what police called a "high-risk motor vehicle stop."

After the occupants were detained Officer Martin Halmi recovered five 38 caliber bullets from the front seat passenger area of the vehicle, but no weapon. Officers retraced the route the Volkswagen had taken after Officer Garrison had spotted it. The officers recovered a loaded Taurus 38 model black handgun in the grass off Major Road near Falcongate Drive. The handgun was loaded and included hollow-point ammunition.

Detectives were able to determine that the occupants of the car had been in a physical altercation with an individual on Pierson Street. During the dispute the front passenger of the car Shyrone Manning, 20, of Piscataway, pulled up his shirt and displayed the handgun in his waist. The group all got into the Volkswagen and fled. Upon spotting the officer, Manning threw the gun out of the vehicle.

Chief Hayducka credited the excellent police work with taking the gun off the street and making a quick arrest.

“In less than 10 minutes from when the woman called 911, officers were able to locate the vehicle, take the suspect into custody, and recover the firearm," said Chief Hayducka. "That is only possible with great officers and teamwork. Officer Garrison showed great skill in monitoring the suspect vehicle while awaiting further backup. His quick observation of the suspect vehicle was key to catching this suspect."

Manning was charged with possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun, unlawful possession of hollow point bullets, hindering apprehension, and possession of ammunition without a firearms ID card. He was lodged in the Middlesex County Correction Center pending his first court appearance.