A Handgun in the Waistband
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus faced a terrifying moment on Tuesday night, December 30, 2025, when a teenager was spotted brandishing a handgun inside the mall.
The incident occurred during the final rush of post-holiday shopping and coincided with a separate shooting report at the nearby Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, putting North Jersey law enforcement on high alert. Thanks to sharp-eyed patrons and rapid surveillance work, the suspect was in custody by the following morning.
🚨 The Incident: A Handgun in the Waistband
Around 9:05 p.m., Westfield security was alerted by a mall patron who witnessed a suspicious individual acting dangerously.
The Suspect Description:
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Identify: Charlie Williams, an 18-year-old from Newark.
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Appearance: A thin male wearing a black jacket, a ski mask, and Nike Air Jordan sneakers.
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The Act: The witness reportedly saw Williams remove a handgun from his waistband before quickly fleeing the mall.
Detective Michael Focarino of the Paramus Police Department reviewed mall surveillance footage, which confirmed the suspect brandishing the firearm before entering a 2021 Hyundai Elantra and speeding away from the parking lot.
🚔 The Arrest: Newark Police Takedown
The search for the suspect vehicle didn’t last long. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at approximately 6:45 a.m., the Newark Police Department located the Hyundai Elantra.
Police found an individual matching the description provided by Paramus detectives and the mall security footage. Williams was positively identified and taken into custody without further incident.
⚖️ Serious Charges for the Newark Youth
Charlie Williams is now facing severe legal consequences in Bergen County. He has been hit with two major felony counts:
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Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (2nd Degree)
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Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2nd Degree)
Williams was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance in Hackensack. Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti noted that while Williams is in custody, the investigation remains active to determine if other individuals were involved or if the vehicle used was stolen.
🛡️ Mall Safety: A Multi-Agency Response
The timing of this arrest was critical, as it occurred during a period of heightened security across New Jersey malls following the “shots fired” report at the Willowbrook Mall food court earlier that same evening.
Paramus Police emphasized that the quick report from a “mall patron” was the key factor in preventing a potential tragedy. Authorities continue to urge shoppers to follow the “See Something, Say Something” protocol, especially in high-traffic retail environments.
Garden State Plaza Weapon Arrest Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, Dec 30, 2025 |
| Suspect | Charlie Williams, 18, Newark NJ |
| Location | Westfield Garden State Plaza (Paramus, NJ) |
| Charges | 2nd Degree Weapons Possession |
| Vehicle | 2021 Hyundai Elantra |
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The daily voice showed his picture.
Another black male, just like the other criminal at Willowbrook
It comes as no surprise the media refuses to post an accurate description
Apparently the ‘no firearms allowed’ sign at the mall only applies to legal concealed carry permit holders
It’s a legal advice CYA for when something like this happens.
“Well, we took strong action, we put up a sign.”
Another irishman with dreadlocks
Damn Mormons, yet again.