A Neptune man was arrested after shots were fired Nov. 8 in Asbury Park in the area of 120 Monmouth Ave., Asbury Park.
Police said at approximately 11:45 p.m. Monmouth County Dispatch advised Asbury Park Police officers of a Shot Spotter activation in the area of 120 Monmouth Ave. When police arrived they located evidence supporting the activation. As the officers were investigating the scene, they were alerted to two additional ShotSpotter activations in the area of 111 Langford St. and 221 Adams St. While responding to and canvassing the areas, officers observed an individual believed to be involved and identified as Dyshon Peterson, 35, exit a vehicle and attempt to flee the area on foot.
Officer’s Stephen Love and Gregory Parisi pursued Peterson, causing him to stop near the intersection of Springwood and Sylvan Avenues. As backup units arrived, a perimeter was established to prevent Peterson from fleeing further. Peterson stood surrounded on the street, holding his right hand inside of his jacket pocket.
Not knowing what was inside of Peterson’s pocket, Love with service weapon drawn gave repeated verbal commands to Peterson to have him remove his hand from his pocket. Despite these commands, Peterson stood speechless, while continuing to hold his hand in his pocket. With Peterson’s failure to comply, an attempt was made to have a family member persuade Peterson to reveal his hand. Then Love observed what he believed to be the butt of a firearm in Peterson’s hand that was inside of his jacket pocket. The family member was sent from the area while Officer Love continued to engage Peterson. While Love continued to attract Peterson’s attention, Officer William Whitley, who was located a distance behind Peterson, signaled to Officer Love that he was going to approach and secure Peterson from behind. Officer Whitley ran to Peterson, grabbed him from behind and took him to the ground. Once on the ground Peterson continued to resist by tensing up and refusing to comply.
With the assistance of other officers on the scene, Peterson was taken into custody. Removed from Peterson’s jacket pocket was a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun. As Peterson was taken to Asbury Park Police Headquarters for processing, officers returned to the scene where Peterson was initially observed. Located in that area was additional evidence supporting the ShotSpotter activation.
Peterson’s last known address was in Neptune. He was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, certain persons not to possess, prohibited weapons, obstructing the administration of Law, resisting arrest, prohibited weapons and prohibited acts. He was processed and taken to the Monmouth County Correctional facility awaiting a court date.
Chief David Kelso said the professional work by police officers led to the outcome without injuries.
“The officer’s on scene used the utmost restraint during a tense situation with a subject armed with a handgun,” he said. “ The officers worked well together in a scenario that escalated quickly and could have ended badly had it not been for their actions, specifically Officer’s Stephen Love and William Whitley. As a direct result of these Officers actions, a dangerous, armed subject was placed under arrest without significant injury to anyone.”
