Aggravated Assaul, Poss. Of Weapon, Crim. Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Shotgun W/O Permit

[Lt. Robert Osborn]

Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 7:27p.m., Newton Police Officers were
summoned to the area of 244 Spring Street, Newton for a report of a
fight. Upon arrival, it was learned that Bryan Russo, age 34, of Main
Street, Newton, NJ had been involved in a physical altercation with
another male identified as Joseph Otte Jr, age 28, of West Shore
Drive, Vernon, NJ. During the course of the fight, Otte was struck in
the head by Russo with a bracket from a metal sign post and sustained
a laceration to his forehead. Russo also received an injury to his
finger and right forearm as a result of being assaulted by Otte with
the same metal post. Otte was treated at Newton Memorial Hospital and
released.

Investigation additionally revealed that the complainant, Anthony
Caprio, age 38, of Spring Street, Newton, NJ had been in possession of
a loaded shotgun when he felt threatened by Otte and Russo's actions.
Subsequently, it was discovered that Caprio didn't possess a firearms
ID card for the shotgun in question.

Otte and Russo were both charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession
of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief, and Disorderly Conduct and were lodged
in the Sussex County Jail in default of $15,0000 bail apiece pending
court.

Caprio was charged with possessing a shotgun without a permit and
released pending a court appearance in Newton Municipal Court on
3/25/08.