Parking spot dispute leads to gun threat outside Washington Twp. L.A. Fitness
Police say the dispute was witnessed by an off-duty New Jersey state trooper.
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An argument over a parking spot outside an L.A. Fitness in Gloucester County ended with a gun being pulled and a Bridgeton man being put in handcuffs.
The suspect, 26-year-old Jacob Vanaman of Bridgeton, turned himself in to police this week.
Washington Township police say the incident took place on Aug. 1 around 8:06 p.m. They say an off-duty New Jersey state trooper witnessed a man and a woman arguing near parked cars in the parking lot of the fitness club. As the fight escalated, the man was seen brandishing a firearm.
"The Trooper then observed the male pull a handgun from his waistband and point it at the female," police said in a release. "The NJSP trooper immediately called 911."
When police arrived at the scene, they learned that both the man and woman who were involved in the dispute had already left. The following day, however, the female victim contacted police to file a report.
Detectives obtained surveillance video from the area and were able to track down Vanaman's vehicle. The suspect then turned himself in, accompanied by his attorney. He was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and making terroristic threats.
Vanaman was processed and transported to Gloucester County Jail. Police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Detective Aquilino at 856-589-0330.
