Shots Fired Reported At Wedding Venue In Bergen County, Man Charged: Police

NORTHVALE, NJ — Multiple police jurisdictions were dispatched to secure and clear a wedding venue in Rockleigh after a report of possible shots fired, Northvale Police Chief Howard Ostrow said.

The incident, which occurred on Sept. 25 at The Rockleigh, led to the charges last week against 23-year-old Ersin Kolenovic, of New York, Ostrow said.

Police responded to The Rockleigh catering hall for the report, and met with the caller, who directed officers to an area where they observed Simunition, or "simulated ammunition" used in training, and spent .9mm shell casings from a handgun, police said.

Additional shell casings were found near the steps of the outdoor chapel area on the west side of the building, and information was given that a handgun may have been fired from both inside and outside the venue, police said.

Mutual aid partners helped secure the area and deemed the situation safe, and all patrons exited the venue in an orderly fashion as the wedding had concluded, police said.

Further evidence and information allowed officers to develop a suspect, later identified as Kolenovic.

Kolenovic was charged with possession of a firearm in the second degree, disorderly conduct creating a hazardous condition, a petty disorderly persons offense, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He was then released on his own recognizance.