Handcuffs (Shorebeat File Photo/ banspy/ Flickr)
A bizarre investigation began unfolding in Toms River first thing Monday morning, when a man came to the police station at about 7 a.m. to tell officers that he believed he had a warrant for his arrest.
While police were investigating, they found a loaded shotgun serving “no legitimate purpose” in vehicle of the man, identified as Joseph Kelly, of Egret Drive, police said.
Kelly was charged and later transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation, said police spokeswoman Jillian Messina.
Based upon statements Kelly made during detention, his residence on Egret Drive was checked by police for the safety of any additional occupants, a statement from the department said. The residence was found to be vacant, however additional weapons and ammunition were located inside.
According to Messina, due to the “unknown age and condition of some of the located munitions,” the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit responded and assisted in their removal as a precautionary measure. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Egret Drive had been closed for several hours, but has since been reopened.
Rounding out the odd encounter, Toms River Animal Control removed a 500-pound pig from Kelly’s residence to keep safe.
There were no threats to the public at any time, police said, adding that the investigation is continuing and additional charges may be filed.
