New York Resident Arrested in Stolen Vehicle with Gun

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of David Aruz, (57), of Brooklyn, NY for being in possession of a stolen vehicle, an air pistol, drug paraphernalia and multiple debit cards on October 30, 2023.  On that date at approximately 11:29 am, officers were dispatched to a report of a disabled vehicle located on the center median near 175 Route 46 West.

Officer Cory Perrette arrived on scene to assist Aruz, the driver of a U-Haul van that became disabled after he allegedly tried to make a U-turn across the grass.  During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the van had been reported stolen to the New York City Police Department last week.

Aruz was placed under arrest at this time.  Officer Sean Wilk assisted on scene and allegedly located a wallet with numerous debit cards and other identification cards that did not belong to Aruz.  Additionally, a glass crack pipeand a loaded Crossman Air Gun model 1008 RepeatAir handgun was allegedly found in Aruz’s property.  This air gun is designed to look exactly like a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun and has no identifying orange tip, which is required in the State of New Jersey on any airsoft gun.

Aruz was transported to police headquarters for processing.  He was charged with the following: receiving stolen property, receiving a stolen vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons to not have weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia, and trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person.  He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses.

Aruz was later transported to the Essex County Jail in Newark, NJ pending an initial court appearance.

(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)