Jackson man accused of pulling gun during Lakewood police chase

A Jackson man who, police say, pulled out a loaded handgun as officers chased him Monday night in Lakewood, is apprehended and held on $115,000 bail.

Claudio Gonzalez, 23, is charged with a weapons violation, obstruction, hindering apprehension and resisting arrest. He is in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, with no option for release on bail payment of 10 percent.

According to police, a report of an argument involving several people brought Officer Dennis Dowden to Martin Luther King Drive at about 7:30 PM.

While speaking with Gonzalez, police said, Dowden spotted the gun handle protruding from beneath his shirt.

After a brief scuffle between the two, Gonzalez broke loose. Dowden gave chase and saw Gonzalez pull out a silver handgun, police said.

Gonzalez was taken into custody shortly afterward by Sergeant Robert Humeny, one of several officers who provided support. Police said they recovered a loaded .357 magnum Smith and Wesson firearm.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.