At a restaurant in Montclair, New Jersey two legal adults and one juvenile recently incited an altercation and subsequently stole from those with whom they were fighting, according to reports from Montclair Police.
18-year-old Montclair residents Justin Davis and Elijah Williams, as well as a minor whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, are facing charges after allegedly starting a fight with two other patrons at the Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits located in Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair on Friday, January 31st at approximately 8 p.m.
Davis was reported as stating, “we don’t fight, we shoot,” acting as if he was going to pull out a weapon, before spitting on two customers. The owner of the establishment attempted to break-up the altercation that ensued as a result, at which time the three accused allegedly stole the others’ jackets and fled the scene.
Williams was arrested immediately following the incident and is currently facing charges fortheft and disorderly conduct. Both of these charges are likely to be classified as disorderly persons offenses, which are punishable by a term of incarceration of up to 6 months in the county jail.
Davis was charged with terroristic threats and simple assault, in addition to theft and disorderly conduct, upon his arrest on Saturday, February 1st. Offenses involving terroristic threats, which are codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3, are considered more serious than the other charges brought against Davis and Williams. Violations of this statute are considered crimes of the third degree, which are punishable by up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. As such, Davis could be subject to more severe penalties if convicted.
Officials have not revealed the charges against the underage third suspect, who was also arrested on Saturday. Due to his status as a minor, the defendant will be tried as a juvenile as opposed to an adult, which will subject him to a different process than the other two suspects accused. First, his complaint will be transferred to the Family Intake Division in the county in which he resides for evaluation. At this time, the Family Intake Division will determine if the matter should be transferred into a diversionary program, such as the juvenile conference committee, or if the matter should be scheduled for a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: 3 charged in brawl, theft at Montclair restaurant
