Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Aggravated Assault, Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons
Lt. Robert Osborn
On 5/13/18 at 10:14a.m., Newton Police responded to the area of Spring Street near the intersection of Moran Street for a report a male brandishing a handgun.
Upon patrols arrival, they observed a subject matching the provided description to be walking into a Spring Street apartment building. Subsequently, this male was identified to be Russell Shine, age 56, of Spring Street, Newton.
Further investigation revealed that Shine was in possession of a black, spring loaded BB gun that closely resembled a .45 cal M1911 style handgun but had put the weapon back in his apartment. Witnesses indicated that Shine had reportedly pointed the gun at 2 subjects who were present on the 2nd floor porch area of the Spring House.
As a result, the weapon was located, secured by patrols and Shine was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses:
N.J.S: 2C:39-4A(1) Possession of A Weapon For Unlawful Purpose (2nd Degree)
N.J.S. 2C:12-1B(4) Aggravated Assault (4th Degree)
N.J.S. 2C:39-7B(1) Certain Persons Not To Possess Weapons (2nd Degree)
Shine was processed and lodged in the Sussex County Jail pending court.
Officers Involved:
Ptl. Edward Sperling, Ptl. Michael Wolanski, Sgt. Steve Benson.