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The incident happened around 12:32 p.m. on Friday, April 4, according to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti.
Police say the dispute started when Joseph Koppinger opened his car door into another vehicle. After a brief verbal exchange, he walked into the store.
“When he returned, he again struck the victim’s car door with his own door and shouted a slur,” police said in a statement.
Koppinger then drove a short distance, stopped in front of the victim’s car, and “pointed a handgun directly at the victim before leaving the area,” police said.
A 911 caller had reported the slur and the weapon. A short time later, Maywood Police Officer Timothy Cook, who was conducting nearby traffic enforcement, saw the suspect’s white Ford Mustang.
Paramus Officer Matt Orefice responded and found Koppinger walking away from the vehicle. Inside, police say they found a plastic imitation Colt pellet handgun on the floorboard.
Koppinger was arrested and charged with the following:
- Aggravated Assault (Pointing a Firearm) – 4th Degree
- Bias Intimidation – 3rd Degree
- Possession of a Weapon – 2nd Degree
He was processed and taken to the Bergen County Jail, according to police.
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