Gun And Antisemitic Slur In ShopRite Parking Lot Lead To Arrest In Bergen County: Police

PARAMUS, NJ — A dispute in a ShopRite parking lot and an antisemitic threat led to a man's arrest in Paramus on Friday, police said.

Joseph Koppinger, 35, of Maywood allegedly used an antisemitic slur and pointed a firearm at a man during a verbal altercation at the Paramus ShopRite on Route 4, said Police Chief Robert Guidetti.

According to police, on Friday, around 12:30 p.m., Koppinger opened his car door and it hit the victim's parked vehicle.

The victim told police that after a "brief verbal exchange," Koppinger walked away and entered ShopRite. When he returned he again struck the victim’s car door with his own door and shouted a slur, said police.

Police say that according to the victim, Koppinger then drove a short distance, stopped in front of the victim’s car, and pointed what looked like a handgun directly at the victim before leaving the area in his white Mustang.

Paramus police responded to a 911 call and spoke to the victim. Around the same time, Maywood Police Officer Timothy Cook, conducting nearby traffic enforcement, saw the Mustang.

Paramus Officer Matt Orefice responded to Cook’s location and found Koppinger walking from his vehicle, police said.

Police found a plastic imitation Colt pellet handgun on the driver's floorboard, they said.

Koppinger was arrested and charged with:

• Aggravated assault (pointing a firearm), fourth degree
• Bias intimidation, third degree
• Possession of a weapon, second degree

He was processed and taken to the Bergen County Jail, Guidetti said.