Residents Wrestle Gun Away From Robber Who Forced His Way Into Their Somerset County Home

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — An armed robber who forced his way into a home in North Plainfield was arrested after the residents were able to wrestle the gun away and hold him until police arrived, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced.

A Walnut Street resident reported on Tuesday, March 28 a man, later identified as Matthew Williams, 33, of Plainfield asked him if he had any drugs.

The resident told Williams he didn't and went inside his home to avoid him.

A short time later, a second resident went outside and when Williams pointed a handgun and asked for money and drugs. Williams then forced the resident back into the Walnut Street home where a brief struggle ensued, police reported.

The other residents attempted to barricade themselves from Williams by closing an interior door; however, Williams was able to force himself into the room.

To protect themselves, the residents wrestled with Williams and were able to get the gun away from him.

They then called 9-1-1 at around 7:32 p.m. reporting the armed intruder and were able to hold Williams until police arrived.

Police found a loaded Lorsin .380 caliber handgun which Williams used during the robbery, according to Robertson.

Williams was arrested and received medical aid for a non-life threatening head injury, which he received from the residents during the attempted robbery. He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.

A National Crime Information Center inquiry revealed that the firearm was stolen out of Virginia. Further analysis of the firearm will be conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Ballistics Unit in an attempt to determine if the firearm has been utilized in any unsolved crimes.

Williams was charged with first degree, armed robbery, second degree, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, second degree, burglary, second degree, unlawful possession of a firearm, and third degree, receiving stolen property.

After being released from the hospital Williams was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

(Image via Somerset County Prosecutor's Office: Matthew Williams, 33, of Plainfield)

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