Crime & Safety

Long Branch Resident Charged With Attempted Murder After Shooting Man in Hand

Man reportedly reached for his gun when officers attempted to arrest him

 

A Long Branch resident is facing multiple charges including attempted murder after he shot a man in the hand on Friday night.

On Sept. 21, just before midnight, officers from the Long Branch Police Department responded to a call for a report of a victim with a gunshot wound to his hand. 

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"Through further investigation they discovered the victim and the accused had an argument which turned physical, and during the struggle the victim was shot through the hand," Long Branch Police Capt. Jason Roebuck said.

The victim's name was not released by police.

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The shooter was identified as Heriberto “Eddie” Salas Jr, 21, of Jeffrey Street, Long Branch.

Capt. Roebuck said Salas was supposedly still in possession of the handgun and was spotted in front of Murphy's Bar on Division Street by Officer Robert Bell.

Salas entered the bar after seeing Officer Bell, who called for backup. Officers Chris Gant and Patrick Joyce arrived, as well as Sgt. Jeff Grippaldi, Det. Michael Decker and K-9 Officer Fred Cistaro with his canine partner Doyan.

Capt. Roebuck said officers closed the bar after initially not being able to find Salas, due to the large amount of people at the establishment.

"As the patrons were leaving Salas was spotted leaving the bathroom," Capt. Roebuck said. "Officer Joyce spotted what he believed to be a concealed handgun in the pocket of Salas’ sweatshirt."

Officers Joyce, Bell, Gant and Cistaro drew their weapons and attempted to place Salas under arrest, but he resisted and attempted to punch Officer Joyce. 

"The officers rushed Salas and brought him to the ground where he continued to struggle with them," Capt. Roebuck said. "Salas then reached for the handgun that was in his sweatshirt pocket, but it was knocked out of his hand by Officer Joyce."

Sgt. Grippaldi and Officers Grant and Bataille were finally able to restrain and arrest Salas and recovered his .22 caliber revolver handgun.

Salas was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and attempted homicide for the earlier shooting incident.

He was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institute where he was held in lieu of $1,505,000 bail with no 10 percent option. He is scheduled to appear in Monmouth County Superior Court on Oct. 9.


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