Manchester, NJ – The Manchester Police Department swiftly responded to gunshots early Sunday, leading to the arrest of a suspect involved in the reckless discharge of a firearm. At approximately 2:09 AM, Ptl. Maliff, while on patrol, heard gunshots near Manchester Boulevard and Wranglebrook Road, resulting in the seizure of a 9mm handgun and ammunition from a vehicle.
The suspect, Nathaniel Chudkowski, was charged with several offenses, including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and was taken to Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. Chudkowski was believed to have fired the weapon into a wooded area while driving in the vicinity, with authorities praising the quick actions of officers for swiftly addressing the situation.
The charges against Chudkowski are accusations at this stage, and the Manchester Police reminded the public and the press that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Residents were also encouraged to report any suspicious activities anonymously to the Manchester Police either by phone or through the department’s online “Tip Line” link on their website.