BRICK, NJ – On September 20, the Brick Township Police Department responded to two unrelated events that resulted in the discovery and seizure of firearms.
The first incident occurred around 12 p.m. when officers were dispatched to Old Toms River Road for a reported residential burglary. The homeowner had spotted someone breaking into his home via his surveillance system.
While police were en route, an off-duty officer discovered a handgun on a nearby street. The gun was confirmed to have been stolen from the burglarized residence. Steven Borriello, 35, of Toms River, was identified and arrested by Det. Talty. Borriello faces charges of Burglary, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Theft, and Criminal Mischief. He was transferred to Ocean County Jail.
The second incident happened at 6:26 p.m. when a resident reported a suspicious Black Honda with the driver and passenger wearing ski masks. Ptl. McGrath later spotted the vehicle on Mantoloking Road. Officers conducted a high-risk stop near Kohl’s Plaza on Chambers Bridge Road. Both occupants were detained after Ptl. McGrath observed suspicious movement inside the car. A K9 unit arrived and indicated the presence of a weapon.
A handgun and high-capacity magazine were subsequently discovered. The driver, Ectgar Candia Paz, 18, of Somerset, NJ, was charged with possession of a defaced weapon, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
He was also taken to Ocean County Jail. The passenger, a juvenile, was charged and sent to the Juvenile Detention Center in Toms River.
Chief Forrester thanked the community for its support and urged residents to remain vigilant, advising them to report any suspicious activities.