On Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at approximately 4pm, the Lakewood Police Department received a call regarding a male subject approaching bystanders at the Self Service Car Wash. The car wash is located on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Park Avenue. It’s alleged that the male subject approached bystanders and displayed what were described as three handguns, which were tucked in his waist band. It is alleged that the subject offered to sell the firearms to the bystanders, which prompted the call to the authorities. Sgt Messer, Officers Burkhardt #361 and Zavalnyuk #359 were first to arrive on scene and approach the suspect, based on his description. The suspect became non-compliant and evasive, which prompted Officers to use immediate, necessary force to subdue the suspect. The three aforementioned firearms were recovered from the suspect’s person and he was arrested and transported to Monmouth Medical University for injuries sustained during the incident. Officers Burkhardt and Zavalnyuk were uninjured following the arrest.
As a result of arrest Arturo Cuahutle-Flores, 47 years old from Ocean Avenue in Lakewood was charged with 4 counts of unlawful possession of weapon and 4 counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. There are more charges pending. As of this time, the investigation is still ongoing.
There is no threat to the public at this time.

Bradley D. Billhimer
Ocean County Prosecutor

Gregory Meyer
Lakewood Township Police Chief