Man Points Gun At Rival Player On Shetik Soccer Field In Secaucus: PD

SECAUCUS, NJ — The Shetik soccer field, tennis and basketball courts are a popular place for youth and adult sports in Secaucus.

However, in early May a Jersey City man brought a gun to the field and pointed it at another player, an adult man, after the two got into an argument during a soccer game, said Secaucus Police.

Secaucus Police released a press release about this incident to the media Monday morning, June 3:

On May 2, two adult soccer teams were playing on Shetik Field. During the game, Reda Benyamin, 34, of Jersey City collided with a player on the opposing team, which led to a verbal altercation. Benyamin and the other player were ejected from the game.

After the game, Benyamin and the other player left Shetik field in their respective cars, but both stopped for the traffic light on Jefferson and County Avenue, to exit Shetik Field.

While stopped at the light, police allege Benyamin pulled up next to the other player’s car and threatened the man while pointing a black handgun at him. Benyamin owns a concealed carry permit to carry a gun, said Secaucus Police.

Both men then drove off.

Following a month’s-long investigation, the Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit placed Benhamin under arrest this past Friday, May 31 at this home in Jersey City. A search of his car led to the seizure of a loaded Beretta 92x 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

“While I respect people’s Second Amendment right to bear arms, this incident is a telling example of what happens when someone who is irresponsible has a handgun at the ready,” said Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller in announcing the arrest. “Despite New Jersey’s strict regulations pertaining to concealed carry, incidents like this are bound to happen, but luckily nobody was injured or worse in this incident.”

Benyamin was charged with Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose [2C:39-4a(1)], Aggravated Assault [2C:12-1b(4)] and Prohibited Area to Carry a Firearm [2C:58-4.6(1)]. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail. These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.