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Attorney General Announces Settlement with Gun Retailer Following Sales Investigation

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Attorney General Announces Settlement with Gun Retailer Following Unlawful Sales

**TRENTON, NJ** – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Point Blank Guns and Ammo LLC has reached a court-ordered settlement following a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit was a result of the store selling gun-related products to undercover investigators without verifying if the buyers could legally possess a firearm. This settlement is in accordance with the legislative requirements from July 2022 as per N.J.S.A. 2C:58-35.

The complaint, filed in November last year by Attorney General Platkin and the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office (SAFE), detailed two instances involving Point Blank. In March, the store sold a handgun ammunition magazine, and two months later, a 1,000-round case of .223 caliber ammunition, both to first-time buyers without demanding identification or permits.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of adhering to these laws to prevent unlawful practices that could lead to mass shootings. SAFE Director Ravi Ramanathan highlighted the need for gun stores to confirm that buyers can lawfully possess firearms. Both recognize that Point Blank has agreed to amend its practices.

As part of the consent order, Point Blank has agreed to implement procedures ensuring compliance with

Utica Police Arrest Suspect Following Menacing Incident

Utica Police Arrest Suspect Following Menacing Incident

**UTICA, NY** – On March 20th at approximately 6:45 PM, Utica Police responded to a report of a menacing incident on the 900 block of Schuyler Street.

Upon arrival, police spoke with individuals who reported a familiar male had displayed violent behavior outside a residence. The suspect left the scene but soon returned wielding a large knife, threatening the parties involved.

The victims retreated into their home and secured the door, but the suspect attempted to break in by smashing glass windows. Afterward, he left and entered a nearby residence where officers subsequently located him.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Somxay Sysamouth of Utica, was taken into custody without incident. A meat cleaver style knife was recovered as the weapon used in the alleged offense. Sysamouth faces charges including two counts of menacing in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Suspect Apprehended Following Gunfire Incident in Utica

Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Suspect Apprehended Following Gunfire Incident in Utica

**UTICA, NY** – Utica Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert on February 23rd indicating gunfire on the 1300 block of Oneida St. Officers at the mapped location found a 9mm casing on the road but could not obtain information from nearby residents.

The incident was assigned to the GIVE Unit for investigation. They discovered that during a confrontation, an individual had fired a gun into a snowbank, causing others to flee. Review of surveillance footage revealed the same individual had fired the gun an hour earlier, an event initially unreported.

Suspect information was extracted from the video, leading to the arrest of Naicol F. De Los Santos De La Rosa, age 23, by GIVE investigators on Thursday. A subsequent search of his residence revealed a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun.

Naicol F. De Los Santos De La Rosa faces charges of two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

DUI Arrest Made Following Citizen Report

DUI Arrest Made Following Citizen Report

**Stafford, VA** – Authorities in Stafford County detained a local man for driving under the influence and possession of drugs and a firearm following a citizen’s report.

Late on Wednesday, around 11:58 p.m., Deputy P.J. Leon responded to a complaint of a drunk driver near Poplar Road and Truslow Road. The vehicle was struggling to stay within the lane. Deputy Leon located the vehicle, noted its erratic movement, and initiated a traffic stop.

The driver, identified as Keith Kerns, 40, exhibited signs of narcotics use and was found to be carrying a firearm. The deputy secured the firearm before performing field sobriety tests. Subsequent to these tests, Kerns was detained when suspected controlled substances were found in his jacket and vehicle.

Kerns faces charges for driving under the influence, possession of controlled substances, possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled substances, and failure to maintain the lane of travel. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail with a $3,000 secured bond.

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges Following Firearm Incident

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges Following Firearm Incident

**Delmar, MD -** An incident involving a firearm occurred on December 12, leading to severe allegations against a suspect in Delmar, Wicomico County. Deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to the situation at the 28000 Block of Waller Rd.

A victim claimed that during an argument, 45-year-old Richard Lee Luffman brandished a firearm and threatened harm. The victim reported being forced into a closet, while another individual was locked in a separate room. There was also a threat to the residents’ lives, resulting in minor injuries to one victim during the ordeal.

Luffman was later located by the Delaware State Police in Seaford, Delaware. Held by the Delaware Department of Corrections, he waived extradition and will be returned to Wicomico County. He faces charges of Second Degree Assault, two counts of False Imprisonment, and carrying a Handgun on a person.

Price Gouging Protections Enforced in Erie County Following Severe Snowstorm

Price Gouging Protections Enforced in Erie County Following Severe Snowstorm

**Harrisburg, PA** – Price gouging protections are in effect in Erie County due to a severe snowstorm that left more than three feet of snow. Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized the importance of being aware of unfair price increases during emergencies.

The declaration of a disaster emergency was made by Governor Shapiro on Thursday. This has activated a state law prohibiting companies from raising prices on consumer goods or services more than 20% above their average price from the preceding week.

Consumers in Erie County suspecting price gouging are encouraged to report it. Complaints can be submitted online at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555.

The law empowers the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection to investigate such complaints. Penalties for violations can reach up to $10,000 per incident, with provisions for restitution.