Officers found the silver Mercury in the restaurant lot Monday night and took 32-year-old Michael Debiasi into custody after locating the Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun behind the driver’s seat, Police Chief James Batelli said Tuesday.
The gun had been reported stolen out of Collier County, FL, the chief said.
Three other occupants of the car were brought to headquarters along with Dibiasi, who was charged with possession of a firearm without a permit.
“Although the matter is still being investigated, it is believed the individuals in the car were going to meet another group of individuals in the parking lot of the restaurant over a dispute that had occurred over the weekend,” Batelli said. “There was never any intention from any of those involved to enter the restaurant with the weapon.”
Dibiasi remained held on $50,000 bail in the Bergen County Jail.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mahwah-Ramsey and receive free news updates.