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While driving in heavy traffic on Easton Avenue in Franklin Township by the Route 287 exit ramp, Gerald Chapman, a Highland Park residet, pulled alongside the victim's car and struck the passenger side mirror with his left hand, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said.
Chapman then drove behind and around to the driver's side of the vehicle, pulled out a handgun and fired two shots at the car, striking the driver's window and the rear driver's side door while the victim was outside his vehicle on the passenger side, fixing the mirror, authorities said.
Chapman then fled the scene, authorities said. An investigation revealed Chapman had his 4-year-old daughter and 18-month-old daughter with him at the time of the shooting, authorities said. Chapman disposed of his 9 mm handgun after the shooting and removed other evidence of the crime of his vehicle, authorities said.
He was convicted of possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, and hindering apprehension, authorities said.
defendant disposed of his 9 mm handgun after the shooting and removed other evidence of the crime from his vehicle that could have aided in his apprehension.
The State would like to thank the Franklin Township Police Department, the Investigative Division of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, and the Forensic Division of the New Jersey State Police for the thorough investigation which led to the identification and apprehension of the defendant.
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