James Gaffney allegedly displayed his firearm to the front desk employee at a Saddle Brook gym and threatened to “pop her tires.”
James Gaffney was apprehended by Saddle Brook Police on February 4, 2023.
A Clifton man is facing multiple charges after he was accused of threatening a Saddle Brook gym employee with a firearm and pointing his gun at cops, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Real Garden State.
On February 4, 2023, James Gaffney allegedly brandished his Glock pistol towards a teenage employee at Strive Health & Fitness and said “not to be surprised when [her] car has flat tires,” per 9-1-1 call. Around 11:30 PM that night, Saddle Brook police converged on Gaffney’s Clifton home to arrest him.
Bodycam footage obtained via the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) captures officers retreating from Gaffney’s front door after knocking. He apparently pointed a gun at cops when answering the door, but video provided by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) didn’t capture the alleged crime. WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
Gaffney quickly surrendered after being issued verbal commands by police. Initially confused, he confirmed being at Strive that day. Before being read his Miranda rights, Gaffney told officers “I know what this is about, I showed my gun at the gym.”
After being read his Miranda rights, Gaffney – who admitted to drinking alcohol before cops arrived – stated “I’m sorry, I know I f***ed up, and it is what it is.” Moreover, Gaffney seemed to indicate that he had a concealed carry permit and was compliant with requests to turnover his firearms.
Regarding the allegation he pointed his gun at cops, Gaffney claimed he thought it was his neighbor (purportedly a corrections officer) and they “f*** around from time to time.”
Gaffney was charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, aggravated assault & terroristic threats (related to the juvenile gym employee), and pointing a firearm at a law enforcement officer. The BCPO is handling the case.
