LAKEWOOD, NJ – A man was arrested by Lakewood police officers and handcuffed after a witness called 911 to report a ‘rife’ that fell out of his car in the area of Clifton Avenue. Reports filled Lakewood blog sites that an armed man was chased through downtown Lakewood carrying a rifle.
It turns out the man was moving around items in his car, and a toy gun fell out. A passerby called the police.
After the report, multiple Lakewood police cruisers were seen speeding through downtown Lakewood.
Dozens of police officers engaged the man on Clifton Avenue with their guns drawn, forcing the man to his knees where he was placed in handcuffs. Several stood by with assault rifles at the ready.
Surprised by the incident, the man luckily complied as the situation could have turned deadly.
The Lakewood Police Department later clarified after reports of an armed man were reported in Lakewood.
A 22-year-old man was detained, but after a motor vehicle stop was initiated, police quickly learned it was a toy gun. The man picked it up and put it back in the car. Police confirmed that at no time did the man point the gun at anyone or make any threats.
Police commended the vigilance of the person who reported the incident. The man who was handcuffed as bystanders watched and took pictures was released.