Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Tyrone Merchant (24), of Paterson, NJ, on weapons charges following an incident at the La Quinta Hotel on October 14, 2023. On that date at approximately 1:44 am, officers were dispatched to the hotel on a request from management to remove an unwanted party from the property.
Officers Patrick Reynolds and Katrina Guevara arrived on scene and met with Merchant. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Merchant was a wanted person out of Haledon, NJ. Prior to being placed under arrest, Merchant ran from the officers, and a brief foot pursuit ensued. He was apprehended a short time later.
After being placed under arrest, it is alleged that a loaded, Polymer 80 9mm handgun was located on Merchant. The gun was also allegedly loaded with an extended magazine.
Merchant was transported to headquarters for processing. He was charged with the following: possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, certain persons not to have weapons, obstructing the administration of a law enforcement function, unlawful possession of a weapon – handgun, and prohibited weapons/large capacity magazine.
Merchant was transported to the Essex County Jail in Newark, NJ pending an initial appearance.
“We appreciate the assistance from the Lincoln Park Police, Little Falls Police, New Jersey State Police, North Caldwell Police and Wayne Police in assisting our officers,” said officer Stacy Chiarolanza. “This is a stark reminder that no call is routine, and all the officers involved did a phenomenal job to apprehend a dangerous person and help keep the town of Fairfield safe.”
(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).
Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)