'Widespread Panic': Man Guilty After Pointing Gun In Crowded Restaurant

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A man was found guilty of multiple weapons charges after pointing a gun at someone in a crowded restaurant, Union County Prosecutors said.

After a week-long trial and two days of jury deliberations, Patrick Heaney, 62 of Monroe, was convicted on Oct. 23 on charges of:

• Second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose
• Third-degree violation of New Jersey's carrying of a firearm regulation
• Fourth-degree aggravated assault/knowingly pointing a firearm at another
• Fourth-degree violation of New Jersey's safe firearm carrying requirements (unjustified display of a handgun)
• Fourth-degree recklessly creating a risk of widespread injury or damage

On Nov. 29, 2024, Elizabeth Police responded at around 9:30 p.m. to Valenca Restaurant for a report of someone pulling out a gun. Heaney had already left after a fight with family members, during which he pointed a gun at a person in a crowded dining room, authorities said.

According to the Union County Prosecutor's Office, this caused "widespread panic" in the restaurant.

He was arrested on Nov. 30, 2024 with the help of the Monroe Township Police Department.

Heaney is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 2, 2026.

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