Two Men Arrested in Fight After Drug Deal Gone Wrong, Cops Say

On Nov. 12, officers responded to the 400 block of Beardsley Ave. on a report of a disturbance. 

Upon Sgt. Michael Petronacci, Officer Anthony Cruz and Officer Daniel Freitag’s arrival, a witness led them to loaded .22 caliber handgun just inside of the front door.

After the officers secured the weapon, they reportedly entered the home and arrested two men who were fighting inside, Wilfred Cruz, 19, a resident of the home and Jammal Mahorn, 18, of East Orange.

Mahorn reportedly told police he went to the house to buy drugs but that when he gave Cruz money, Cruz pointed the handgun at him.

Police said a struggle ensued after the weapon was drawn. The fight spilled down the stairs until another resident of the home intervened and grabbed the gun, hiding it so the men couldn’t use it.   

Mahorn was charged with robbery, burglary, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of CDS (marijuana).

Judge John Paparazzo set his bail at $250,000 and a court date of Nov. 21 is pending.

Cruz was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS (marijuana), possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.

Judge John Paparazzo set his bail at $50,000 and a court date of Nov. 21 is pending.