Middletown Teen Arrested for Alleged BB Gun Shooting Triggered by Facebook Feud

It began on Facebook and later continued to in Portsmouth, where a woman reported seeing a man wearing a bandanna and brandishing a gun. It ended with the arrest of two, including a Middletown youth, and the discovery that the "weapon" was really a BB gun with a very real appearance.

According to Lt. Brian Peters, were called to the Sandy Point Beach parking lot on Wednesday at 11:50 p.m. to investigate a "disturbance." Through their investigation, police say they learned that two groups, totaling eight to 10 people, planned to meet at Sandy Point Beach late Wednesday evening to settle an argument that began on the social-networking site Facebook. The individuals ranged in age from 17 to 19 years old.

Prior to officers' arrival, a second vehicle was reportedly located in the beach parking lot. At that time, a 17-year-old Middletown male reportedly held an airsoft BB gun and fired out of the vehicle at the other group. No injuries were reported.

The vehicle left the scene before police arrived, Lt. Peters said. At the scene, a 27-year-old woman, who is reportedly related to the 17-year-old, allegedly told officers she saw a man in a bandanna. This was a false report, according to police. Police arrested Stephanie Roderiques of 518 Turnpike Ave., Portsmouth, and charged her with falsely reporting a crime and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty.

At 2:45 a.m., officers located the 17-year-old walking with another man on Riverside Street in Island Park. During a "pat down," police say, they located a BB gun in the teen's pants waistband.

The BB gun resembled a "real gun," according to police.

"From its size and color, it would appear like a real firearm," said Lt. Peters. "It was realistic looking."

Police also say they discovered a small bag of marijuana in the teen's pocket. The juvenile was arrested and held overnight at the police station. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and possession of marijuana.

Additional arrests are pending, according to police. Officers did not release specifics about what led to the Facebook feud.

"The investigation is ongoing," Lt. Peters said. "At this time, we are declining to say what it (the feud) is all about."