(Camden, NJ) – After observing a suspect holding a firearm early Thursday, Camden County Police Department Officer Matthew Greer showed restraint and apprehended the suspect without incident.
Just before 1:45 a.m. Thursday, Officer Greer was on directed patrol addressing quality of life issues at a gas station on the 2200 block of Admiral Wilson Boulevard when he observed an individual – Anthony Garner, 26, of Philadelphia – standing near the gas station mini mart holding a black firearm. Officer Greer approached Garner and engaged him verbally, using de-escalation techniques. Garner complied with Officer Greer and dropped the gun. He was then placed under arrest without incident and officers recovered the weapon, a loaded Gamo PT-85 .177 caliber gas-powered pellet gun.
Garner was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and remanded to the county jail with bail set at $10,000 cash or bond.
“The poise and restraint demonstrated by Officer Greer are indicative of ethical protector training officers on how to best manage situations such as these. His actions ensured that this potentially volatile incident was resolved peacefully,” said Chief J. Scott Thomson.