A Jersey City man was arrested for pointing a gun at a rival soccer player in Secaucus following a month-long investigation, Police Chief Dennis Miller said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On May 2nd, two adult soccer teams were playing on Shetik Field, located at 225 County Ave. During the game, Reda Benyamin, 34 of Jersey City, collided with a player on the opposing team, which lead to a verbal altercation, Miller said in a statement.
As a result, Benyamin and the other player were ejected from the game.
After the game, he and the other player left the field in their respective vehicles, but both stopped for the traffic light on Jefferson and County Avenue.
While stopped at the traffic light, it is alleged that Benyamin pulled up next to the other player’s vehicle. Simultaneously, Benyamin, a possessor of a concealed carry permit, threatened the man while pointing a black handgun at the him.
Both men then left the area.
Following a month’s long investigation, the Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit placed Reda Benhamin under arrest on May 31, 2024 at his Jersey City residence. A search of his vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded Beretta 92x 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
“While I respect people’s second ammendment right to bear arms, this incident is a telling example of what happens when someone who is irresponsible has a handgun at the ready,” Miller added.
“Despite New Jersey’s strict regulations pertaining to concealed carry, incidents like this are bound to happen, but luckily nobody was injured or worse in this incident.”
Benyamin was charged with possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, aggravated assault, and prohibited area to carry a firearm and he was lodged at the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
