BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Bridgewater police investigating the death of an adult man at a residence along Route 22 said they found no signs of trauma at the scene, but the response led to the arrest of a township man after investigators recovered multiple firearms, ammunition and suspected drugs.
In a press release dated Jan. 21, Bridgewater police said officers were dispatched to a residence on Route 22 East after a report of a possible shooting victim, prompting a significant police presence. Police said officers determined no shooting had occurred, but found a deceased adult male inside the home.
“No visible signs of trauma were observed at the scene,” police said, adding that the cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending further examination by the New Jersey State Medical Examiner’s Office.
During the preliminary investigation, officers observed a firearm in plain view inside the residence, police said. Investigators obtained a search warrant authorized by the Superior Court of New Jersey, the department said.
Police said the search resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, edged weapons and suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia from a bedroom determined to belong to Lance Chillemi, a 38-year-old Bridgewater Township man.
Chillemi was arrested and charged with four counts of certain persons not to have weapons, a second-degree offense; two counts of certain persons not to have weapons, a fourth-degree offense; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, a third-degree offense; possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense; and possession of a prohibited weapon, a third-degree offense, police said.
He was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending his first court appearance and further judicial proceedings, police said. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information was immediately available, police said.
