A man was arrested following a series of criminal incidents involving a firearm and shots fired in multiple areas of Lakewood, TLS exclusively confirmed.

Late last night and early this morning officers responded to separate reports of an aggravated assault involving a firearm and a shots fired incident.

During the investigation, officers learned that a male suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at another individual earlier in the evening, issued verbal threats, and fled the scene in a black vehicle.

Investigators later determined that the same individual and vehicle were involved in a separate shots fired incident several blocks away.

After clearing the initial scene, officers responded to the area of Laurel Avenue following reports of multiple gunshots. At the location, officers recovered spent shell casings, and witnesses reported seeing a black vehicle occupied by a single individual shortly before the shots were heard.

Through their investigation, patrol officers identified the vehicle involved in both incidents and determined that the operator was believed to be 39-year-old Julio Cordongiron.

Officers later located the vehicle parked on Ocean Avenue. While officers were monitoring the vehicle, Cordongiron entered it and attempted to leave the area. A traffic stop was conducted, and he was taken into custody without incident. During the stop, Cordongiron was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

The vehicle was secured and later searched pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, resulting in the recovery of a loaded firearm. At the same time, detectives executed a separate court-authorized search warrant at a residence associated with Cordongiron, where a large quantity of a controlled dangerous substance was seized.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incidents.

Cordongiron was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was lodged at the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.

Police noted that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed. The Lakewood Police Department also thanked assisting agencies and residents for their cooperation.