Long Branch Man Charged With Possessing Imitation Handgun at Monmouth Mall

A Long Branch man was arrested and charged with possession of an imitation handgun in the Monmouth Mall this weekend after making comments to a store clerk.

Nicholas Laugelli, 29, of Second Avenue, was arrested on Saturday, June 9 when Eatontown Police investigated a complaint from a department store clerk who told mall security that the man made comments that he was carrying a handgun, according to Eatontown Police Det. Lawrence J. Tyler.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. and shortly after hearing about the incident, the Eatontown Police found Laugelli on the lower level of the mall outside of the Radio Shack store.

"Patrol Officer Edward Clancy and Sgt. Edward Nelson spoke with the accused and subsequently found that the accused was in possession of an imitation handgun, which he had tucked down the front of his pants," Det. Tyler said.

Det. Tyler said Laugelli had removed the orange safety tip from the imitation handgun to make it appear more realistic.

Laugelli was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released on $20,000 bail.