A Berlin man was discovered responsible of second-degree assault and different prices after police mentioned he brandished a duplicate gun throughout an Ocean Metropolis automobile occasion, in accordance with Worcester prosecutors.
Justin Hess, 31, was discovered responsible of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and possessing a duplicate firearm after a trial in Worcester County Circuit Courtroom, in accordance with the Worcester County State’s Lawyer’s Workplace.
On Sept. 29, undercover officers of the Ocean Metropolis Police Division had been detailed close to the realm of Trimper Avenue and Coastal Freeway throughout that weekend’s unofficial H2Oi occasion.
The occasion brings droves of younger folks to Ocean Metropolis to showcase closely modified Audis and Volkswagens, leaving of their wake quite a few visitors citations, arrests and roadways marred by tire burnouts.
Whereas the officers had been patrolling, they noticed a black Dodge Ram pickup truck stopped within the bus lane and Hess strolling away from the truck towards a gaggle of individuals, prosecutors mentioned. They then noticed Hess shove somebody.
When that individual walked towards Hess, prosecutors mentioned, Hess drew what seemed to be handgun from his waistband and brandished it towards the group of individuals.
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Prosecutors mentioned folks in the group began screaming, “He is bought a gun!” and scattered throughout the realm, together with a crowded Coastal Freeway.
The undercover officers adopted Hess and had been in a position to direct different officers within the space to cease him, prosecutors mentioned. A search of the truck by police produced a BB gun that seemed like a 9mm pistol.
Interim Worcester County State’s Lawyer Invoice McDermott praised the fast actions of the Ocean Metropolis law enforcement officials.
“Throughout the chaotic collection of occasions, they had been in a position to observe the weapon and make sure the each the weapon and Mr. Hess had been eliminated the streets of Ocean Metropolis,” he mentioned.
Hess was discovered responsible after 4 minutes of jury deliberation, prosecutors mentioned. He can be sentenced at a later date.
Learn extra:‘Look at H2Oi as a hurricane’: Ocean City task force tackles car events
Learn extra:OCPD: Police use of force in H2Oi video is within limits
