FREEHOLD, N.J. — A 46-year-old Middletown man has been arrested and charged with multiple weapons offenses after authorities recovered several illegal weapons during a traffic stop, officials announced Wednesday.
Joseph J. Fitzgerald faces two second-degree weapons charges, three third-degree charges, and one fourth-degree charge following an investigation that began last week, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Police in Middletown launched the probe after receiving information that Fitzgerald was heading to another person’s home, possibly armed and intending to start an altercation. Officers located him in a neighboring town and conducted a traffic stop.
That person was allegedly a man involved in a relationship with the board member’s wife, according to those close to the situation. His intentions at this time were unclear whether he intended to harm, or even kill the lover of his wife.
Either way, police were able to stop the violent incident before it happened.
Inside Fitzgerald’s vehicle, authorities recovered a handgun, a spring gun, and a stun gun that included brass knuckles as a component. It appeared to be a scene straight out of the Quentin Tarantino film, Pulp Fiction.
He was taken into custody and lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. His first court appearance and detention hearing were tentatively scheduled for Wednesday.
Fitzgerald, a member of the Middletown School Board has had all of his duties suspended.
“The board, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, immediately moved to suspend him from all board duties and designate him Persona Non Grata, effective (July 2),“ the board said in a statement. “The board remains firmly committed to upholding the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community.”
Fitzgerald is represented by attorney Lisa Maglone, a public defender and divorce and separation attorney based out of Monmouth County.