FREEHOLD – An Asbury Park man was arrested and charged with possession of an assault firearm, among other charges, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Eshawn T. Richardson, 23, of Asbury Park, was arrested and charged with second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (assault firearm), fourth degree Possession of a Prohibited Weapons and Devices (large capacity magazine), fourth degree Obstruction, fourth degree Resisting Arrest, and disorderly persons possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
On Tuesday September 29, 2020, Neptune Township Police Department responded to a 911 call of shots fired at approximately around 12:07 a.m. Officers arrived and began an investigation, which subsequently led to the recovery of an American Tactical Mil Sport rifle loaded with .223 rounds and other evidence on a trail between Sunshine Park and Graham Avenue. Officers located Richardson in close proximity to the trail. Richardson fled from the officers on foot but was taken into custody a short time later.
A joint investigation was thereafter conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Neptune Township Police Department. The investigation revealed that while no victims were injured, a residence on the opposite side of State Highway 18 was damaged by gunfire around the same time.
The shooting of the residence remains under investigation, and anyone with information regarding the case can reach out to Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Daniel Newman at (800)-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Mysonn Ledet at (732)-988-8000 x420.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
Richardson is currently being detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution until his First Appearance and Detention Hearing.
If convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Richardson faces a sentence of five to ten years in state prison. If convicted of any of the fourth degree charges, Richardson faces up to 18 months in prison. The disorderly persons charge carries up to six months in jail.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.