Morris Plains Man Arrested After Brandishing Knife at the Park

MORRIS PLAINS – The Fairfield Police Department confirmed the arrest of Yilmaz Akkoc, 20, of Morris Plains, on weapons charges following an incident that occurred earlier this evening at the Fairfield Recreational Complex.

On Friday, May 22, at approximately 6:14 p.m., police headquarters received a 911 call from a juvenile who stated a man had threatened him and his friends, all whom were juveniles, with a knife while they were on the turf field. Officers responded to the field and met with a group of individuals, who were pointed out by the juveniles, and initially denied anything occurred.

Fairfield Special Police Officer Juan Barroso, who was at the park but was off-duty at the time, assisted Fairfield officers on scene and directed them to one of the victims, who was a juvenile, and his mother. The victim explained that an argument had ensued over a soccer ball between the two groups, and during that argument one male allegedly brandished a gold colored knife from his bag and allegedly threatened the younger group. The juvenile pointed out the suspect, Akkoc, to Fairfield officers.

Upon speaking with the group of individuals a second time, officers were able to identify and speak with Akkoc, who allegedly admitted to pulling the knife. A gold colored knife, which matched the knife described by the juvenile, was located in a bag that belonged to Akkoc.

Akkoc was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. He was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and simple assault-menacing. At the time of this article, it has yet to be determined if the suspect will be remanded to the Essex County Jail or released pending an initial court appearance.