PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, July 20, at 10:59 p.m., officers responded to a report of a significant physical disturbance outside a residence on Roosevelt Ave. Upon arrival, numerous individuals scattered, fleeing through the surrounding yards. A 17-year-old juvenile was allegedly assaulted by one of the unidentified individuals who fled before police arrival, resulting in a non-life-threatening head injury. The juvenile was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.
While checking the area, Patrol Officer C. Yi discovered a handgun magazine containing eight bullets on the ground in front of one of the Roosevelt residences. It remains undetermined if a handgun was used or displayed during the altercation.
During the initial investigation, officers observed a large group outside the 7-11 convenience store at 31 North Beverwyck Road. Several males were detained to determine their involvement in the Roosevelt Ave disturbance. While officers questioned the males, a white pickup truck entered the parking lot.
The driver, identified as Damon G. Soto, a 44-year-old Parsippany resident and father of one of the involved juveniles, exited his vehicle and struck one of the adult males in the face. Soto was immediately taken into custody.
Damon Soto was transported to Police Headquarters and charged with Simple Assault, a Disorderly Persons Offense, and released pending a court appearance. The handgun magazine was secured as evidence. The incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Branch at (973) 263-4300.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
