Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield announced that on Wednesday, May 1 at approximately 8 a.m., a 53-year-old man of 285 James Street, Mt. Ephraim, was attempting to pass through security at the Burlington County Courts Facility with a Chinese make .22 caliber, starter blank revolver 8-shot, single action pistol in his possession. The firearm was in a briefcase that was placed in an x-ray machine. Burlington County Sheriff’s Officers Duane Grazioli and Roy Appalucci immediately identified the weapon and placed Flanagan under arrest before he progressed through the checkpoint.
“The officers did a wonderful job in quickly recognizing and responding to this situation,” Sheriff Jean Stanfield said. “This is exactly the type of situation we are here to prevent and I am very proud of the officers for their continued vigilance.”
Later examination of the weapon revealed that it may have been modified to shoot projectiles. It has been submitted to the New Jersey State Police Ballistics Unit for further analysis. A dagger was found during a subsequent search of the suspects vehicle.
Flanagan was charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Imitation Firearm), Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (Dagger) and Violation of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Bail was set by the Honorable John L. Call, Pr.J.S.C., at $50,000 full cash bail. He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail.
Flanagan had been scheduled for Family Court the morning of his arrest.
