Over the past week, members of the Cranford Police Department were involved in two separate incidents in which illegal “Ghost Guns” were recovered.

On May 28, 2022 at approximately 7:00pm Patrol Units responded to a disturbance call in the area of Meeker Avenue and Heinrich Street.  Officers approached an individual later identified as Patrick Wolfe, 52, Union, during which time Wolfe reached into his waistband and produced a handgun.  Officer Michael Gamba quickly grabbed the weapon, wrestling it away from Wolfe.  Wolfe was charged with multiple weapon related offenses and remanded to the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

On June 1, 2022 the Cranford Police Department responded to a disturbance at a Wall Street residence.  During the course of an investigation, officers recovered a semi-automatic weapon determined to be a “Ghost Gun.”  Detectives are working with County, State, and Federal Partners to determine the origin of the weapon.

A “Ghost Gun” is defined as an untraceable firearm which contains no serial number and can be purchased online in various pieces and assembled at home.  These parts are unfortunately widely available and can be purchased by anyone, even those that are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Those include convicted felons, domestic abusers, individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders, and gun traffickers. 

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Release by D/Lt. Matthew R. Nazzaro - PIO

m-nazzaro@cranfordnj.org