Crime & Safety

Shotgun Fun Ends In Arrest For Shooter In Long Valley: Cops

Pennsylvania man was holding target practice in woods just behind private residence, police reported.

LONG VALLEY, N.J. – An Easton, Pennsylvania man was arrested Monday night when Washington Township Police found him shooting a shotgun in the woods not very far from a private residence.

At 10:17 p.m. Officer Scott Myers, Cpl. James Burns and Cpl. Brian Bigham responded to a call for gunshots in the area of Mountain View Avenue, Lt. Doug Compton said.

When police arrived they were able to find a pickup truck in the woods about 70 yards from a residence on that road, and located 10 people standing around the truck, including Christopher Bellini, 28, who was holding a shotgun and pointing at a target on the ground, Compton said.

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The officers approached Bellini and were able to safely take control of the situation, Compton said, and learned Bellini was shooting the gun for target practice in a dangerous manner. He was arrested and charged with creating a widespread risk of serious injury and later released with a court appearance.

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