Police in Manchester, New Jersey recently arrested a local man who allegedly burglarized a vehicle and threatened a witness with a knife. The man is now facing serious charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon and terroristic threats.
The aforementioned incident is said to have occurred in late October. The suspect, 44-year-old Manchester resident Shane W. Bowie, is accused of committing a car burglary during which he went through a vehicle’s glove compartment. The burglary reportedly occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lowes on Route 70 in Manchester.
Authorities say a person witnessed the burglary. Bowie allegedly pulled a knife on the witness, who immediately fled the scene. The witness told police the suspect fled in a van with a Florida license place but could only remember part of the license plate number. Last week, the witness reportedly observed Bowie in the same car. They retrieved the complete license number and provided it to police.
Just a day later, officers arrested Bowie at his residence in the Leisure Village West section of Manchester. The van with the license plate number provided by the witness was parked at the home. After his arrest, Bowie was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, simple assault, burglary, and attempted theft. He was being held at Ocean County Jail in Toms River prior to his bail hearing.
Considering the numerous charges against him, the defendant in this case is facing serious consequences. He has been charged with several felonies of varying degrees. For example, a charge for unlawful possession of a weapon is a fourth degree crime in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 when the weapon in question is a knife. The State must prove that a person had a weapon in their possession under circumstances indicating it is not being used appropriately or could be used inappropriately. In other words, if you are in the kitchen of your home chopping potatoes with a knife, these circumstances show the knife is in lawful use. On the other hand, if you are carrying a knife on your person while attempting to steal something, this constitutes unlawful possession of a weapon under NJ law.
A conviction for fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon is punishable by up to 18 months in prison. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, the degree of a charge under this statute is contingent upon the type of weapon involved in the specific case. For instance, if the weapon in this scenario had been a firearm as opposed to a knife, the charge is enhanced to a second degree crime. In fact, unlawful possession of a handgun in New Jersey is punishable by up to 10 years incarceration with a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility.
Manchester NJ Unlawful Weapon Possession Attorneys
If you have questions about unlawful possession of a weapon or a criminal case in Manchester, NJ, contact the law offices of William Proetta Criminal Law anytime to speak with an experienced Ocean County criminal defense attorney. We are available to assist you immediately and consultations are always provided free of charge. Simply call (848) 238-2100 or contact us online today.
For additional information related to this case, visit the following link: Manchester Police: Car burglar pointed knife at witness
