Long Island man arrested for threatening 6-year-old boy with a gun over Halloween candy
A Long Island man was arrested on Monday night after he allegedly pulled a gun on a 6-year-old boy who knocked on his door for Halloween candy.
According to the Nassau County Police Department, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on October 31, 2023, at a residence on Cedar Street in Hempstead. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Michael Johnson, became irate when the boy rang his doorbell and demanded candy. Johnson then allegedly pointed a black handgun at the boy and yelled "Get off my property!"
The boy ran away and told his father, who was waiting nearby, what had happened. The father called 911 and reported the incident to the police. Officers arrived at the scene and found Johnson inside his home. They also recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun from his bedroom.
Johnson was arrested and charged with second-degree menacing, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned on Tuesday at the First District Court in Hempstead and held on $50,000 bail.
The boy was not physically injured but was shaken by the ordeal. His father said he was proud of his son for being brave and alerting him of the situation.
"He did everything right. He ran away, he told me, he didn't go back," the father said. "He's a smart kid."
The father also said he was shocked and outraged by Johnson's behavior.
"It's Halloween. It's supposed to be fun for the kids. How can you do that to a child?" he said. "He could have killed him."
The police department praised the boy and his father for their quick actions and cooperation.
"They did exactly what they were supposed to do," Detective Lieutenant Richard LeBrun said. "They notified the police immediately and gave us a good description of the suspect and the weapon."
LeBrun also warned residents to be careful and vigilant when trick-or-treating.
"We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, but we also want them to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious or dangerous activity to the police," he said.
Conclusion
The incident of a Long Island man threatening a 6-year-old boy with a gun over Halloween candy has sparked outrage and disbelief among the community. The suspect, Michael Johnson, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, while the boy and his father were praised for their courage and alertness. The police department urged residents to be safe and vigilant when celebrating Halloween.