Northfield's mayor is accused of brandishing a starter pistol at a woman during a verbal confrontation in the parking lot of Mainland Regional High School earlier this month.
Erland Chau, 72, is charged with fourth-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose along with disorderly persons counts of disorderly conduct and harassment, Linwood police said in a news release.
The incident happened Oct. 1, when Chau told police he was backing out of his spot at the High School, when the woman blocked him in, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by BreakingAC.
He got out of the vehicle wearing an NJSIAA-issued referee jacket that he wears as a cross country official, the affidavit states. Chau said he took the starter pistol out of his back seat "in an attempt to gain credibility with the (woman)."
The woman called the school's security, believing that the pistol was a real gun, and had them call police,
The gun was described as resembling "a matte chrome-colored 6-shot revolver with a wood-grain looking handle," the charges state.
Security Officer Jose Echevarria called police for the report of a man with a firearm. While police were responding at the school, Chau was at the Linwood Police Department giving his version of events, according to the affidavit
The incident, which was not detailed, allegedly happened Oct. 1. He was charged on a summons Friday, and released.
Chau could not be immediately reached for comment.
He has been on medical leave since Monday, according to the City Clerk's Office.
Council President Pro Tempore Greg Dewees is acting mayor.
