EDISON, NJ – Menlo Park Mall, a typically bustling shopping destination, experienced a surge in violence this past weekend with two separate incidents causing disruption and concern. Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan addressed the incidents, providing details on both a large food court altercation and a firearm-related incident.
On Monday, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a significant fight broke out in the crowded food court area of Menlo Park Mall. Chief Bryan dispelled social media rumors of a shooting, confirming that no firearms were involved. Nonetheless, the incident resulted in the arrest of a Newark teenager who faces assault charges.
A more concerning situation unfolded on Saturday, February 17th, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Edison Police received a frantic 911 call from a teen reporting that he was being pursued by a group of individuals. He claimed the chase started either in the mall or the adjacent parking lot, and that one of his pursuers brandished a firearm.
Officers rushed to the McDonald’s parking lot behind the mall, where they apprehended six individuals – two adults and four juveniles. The majority of the suspects hailed from Plainfield. Police made a significant discovery, recovering two guns at the scene. One of the firearms was identified as a “ghost gun” – an untraceable weapon that can be purchased without a permit.
Chief Bryan commended the swift and effective actions of his officers, emphasizing the potential danger posed by ghost guns within the community. He did, however, note that apart from the recent incidents, the Menlo Park Mall area has been relatively peaceful.
