Tip to Secaucus Police Leads to Arrest of Man With Loaded Handgun in Motel Parking Lot

Photo credit: Daily Voice   Inset: Secaucus Police

On Sunday morning, March 21 at 7:06 A.M., the Secaucus Police Department responded to the Red Roof Inn, located at 15 Meadowlands Parkway, on report of a “man with a gun” inside a vehicle within the parking lot.

According to Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller, when police officers arrived, Damere Demarest, who fit the description provided by the caller of the “man with the gun,” was located in the car.  Demarest, age 28 of Paterson, was found to be carrying a loaded SCCY CPX-2 9mm handgun on his person.   He was subsequently arrested.

Chief Miller stated, “I applaud the tipster in this case for having the courage to report suspected criminal activity to the police.  I am also thankful that this arrest was made and a firearm was seized, without any of the responding police officers having to resort to any use of force.”

Demarest has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm [2C:39-5b(1)] and Unlawful Possession of Handgun Ammunition [2C:58-3.3].   He is being held in the Hudson County Jail in Kearny.  The charges against him are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chief Miller advises residents that tips can be made by calling (201)330-2049.  You can also email spdtips@secaucus.net or submit tips anonymously through the department’s website at www.secaucuspolice.org.