Man Threatened Wall Police, Claimed To Have Gun In Phone Call: PD

WALL, NJ – A former Monmouth County resident has been charged with causing a false public alarm after he threatened Wall Police, claiming to have a firearm during a hoax call on Sunday, Wall Township Police said.

Erick Perez, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, and formerly of Belmar, is being held at the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township, police said.

Perez is accused of calling Wall Police at 3:23 p.m. on Sunday, telling them he did not want Wall Police in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven at 1601 Route 35 and saying he was getting a firearm before hanging up, authorities said.

Perez claimed to be an employee of the 7-Eleven, police said.

Following the call, Wall Police went to the 7-Eleven, which was temporarily closed while the store and the area were cleared for the safety of the employees and the public, police said.

Their investigation found the phone threat to be unsubstantiated and that there was no threat to the public or police, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Perez, who turned himself in at Wall Township Police Headquarters later Sunday night, police said.

In addition to the false public alarm, authorities also found an active arrest warrant from Howell Township for Perez, police said.

“This incident serves as a reminder that making threats, even those intended as hoaxes, is a serious crime with severe consequences,” Wall Police said.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Patrolman Driscoll at 732-449-4500, ext. 1206.