Asbury Park man arrested after firing gun near Sunshine Park

An Asbury Park man allegedly responsible for firing a gun in the middle of the night near a trail between Sunshine Park and Graham Avenue Tuesday has been arrested and charged with a number of offenses including possession of an assault firearm.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni announced Thursday that Eshawn T. Richardson, 23, is charged with second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (assault firearm), fourth degree Possession of a Prohibited Weapons and Devices (large capacity magazine), fourth degree Obstruction, fourth degree Resisting Arrest and disorderly persons possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Neptune Township Police responded to a 911 call of shots being fired around 12:07 am on Tuesday and when they arrived on scene they found an American Tactical Mil Sport rifle loaded with .223 rounds and other evidence on a trail between Sunshine Park and Graham Avenue.

Officers then located Richardson in close proximity to the trail.

Richardson initially fled from the officers on foot but was taken into custody a short time later.

A joint investigation between the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Neptune Township Police revealed that while no victims were injured, a residence on the opposite side of State Highway 18 was damaged by gunfire at around the same time.

The shooting of the residence remains under investigation, and anyone with information regarding the case can reach out to Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Daniel Newman at (800)-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Mysonn Ledet at (732)-988-8000 extension 420.

Anyone wishes to remain anonymous but has information about a crime, they can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android - https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

Richardson is currently being detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution until his First Appearance and Detention Hearing.

If convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Richardson faces a sentence of five to ten years in state prison.

If convicted of any of the fourth degree charges, Richardson faces up to 18 months in prison.

The disorderly persons charge carries up to six months in jail.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner.

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