Northfield mayor accused of brandishing starter pistol at woman during argument at Mainland

Erland V. Chau, 72, was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was released on a summons and is due in court for a first appearance at 10 a.m. Oct. 23. 

Chau did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The incident occurred at 4:02 p.m. Oct. 1 when Chau was backing out of a parking space at the school before being blocked in by the victim, according to the affidavit of probable cause. 

Investigators determined Chau, who is a cross country official and was wearing a New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association referee jacket, then produced a starter pistol to try to gain credibility with the victim, the affidavit states. 

The victim believed Chau pulled a real gun on her and notified security, who called police. The pistol resembled a matte chrome-colored six-shot revolver, court documents show. 

Chau arrived at the Linwood Police Department before the victim to give his side of the incident. The victim then came to file a report about the situation, the affidavit indicates.