BUTLER, N.J. (Morris County) — A 34-year-old New Mexico man has been arrested after allegedly firing eight shotgun rounds at vehicles and a residence in Butler early Sunday morning, authorities said.
Garrett Brogan, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was taken into custody following an extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, K-9 units and drones, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
At approximately 2:51 a.m. Nov. 8, Butler police responded to Washington Street after receiving a report of shots fired toward residences.
Responding officers observed a man fleeing into a wooded area, prompting a response from the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, local law enforcement agencies and members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the response, officers made contact with a resident who was safely escorted from their home, authorities said.
Brogan was taken into custody by emergency response team members at approximately 4:40 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Authorities recovered a shotgun and ammunition from the wooded area. The search involved multiple sweeps by officers and K-9 units, along with drone assistance.
Investigators determined that Brogan had driven from New Mexico to New Jersey, stopping at a hotel in Wayne before traveling to Washington Street sometime between Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
Brogan allegedly fired eight rounds into vehicle windshields, other parts of vehicles and one residence, according to investigators.
On Monday, Nov. 9, Brogan was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon involving rifles or shotguns, third-degree criminal mischief involving property damage and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Brogan is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings under New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Butler Police Chief Scott Ricker commended the responding law enforcement officers for their professionalism, courage and patience in handling the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
