Man Brings Loaded Handgun To Dispute With Former Boss: Franklin Lakes Police

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Police arrested a man Monday who was fired and brought a loaded handgun to where his former boss was in the borough, authorities said.

Police responded to Old Mill Road Monday at 1:30 p.m. regarding a dispute between Kelly Popek and John Helmke; Popek is the owner of Township Nursery, a Ridgewood landscaping company, and he just fired Helmke, Lt. John Bakelaar said.

Police returned at 7:22 p.m. after Popek reported that Helmke returned with a loaded handgun, Bakelaar said.

Police found Helmke in possession of a fully-loaded, .38-caliber handgun and arrested him, the lieutenant said.

Helmke was charged with possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and possession of an unregistered handgun, police said. He was remanded to Bergen County Jail.

Wyckoff and Oakland police assisted at the scene.

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Pictured: John Helmke, 23/Franklin Lakes Police Department