Jersey City Man Points Handgun at Rival Soccer Player in Secaucus

On May 2, 2024 two adult soccer teams were playing on Shetik Field, 225 County Avenue.  During the game, Reda Benyamin, 34 of Jersey City collided with a player on the opposing team, which lead to a verbal altercation.  As a result, Reda Benyamin and the other player were ejected from the game. 

After the game Reda Benyamin and the other player left the field in their respective vehicles, but both stopped for the traffic light on Jefferson and County Avenue.  While stopped at the traffic light, it is alleged that Reda Benyamin pulled up next to the other player’s vehicle.  Simultaneously, Reda Benyamin, a possessor of a concealed carry permit, threatened the man while pointing a black handgun at the him.  Both men then left the area.

Following a month’s long investigation, the Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit placed Reda Benhamin under arrest on May 31, 2024 at his Jersey City residence.  A search of his vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded Beretta 92x 9mm semi-automatic handgun.  

“While I respect people’s second ammendment right to bear arms, this incident is a telling example of what happens when someone who is irresponsible has a handgun at the ready,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “Despite New Jersey’s strict regulations pertaining to concealed carry, incidents like this are bound to happen, but luckily nobody was injured or worse in this incident.”

Reda Benyamin was charged with Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose [2C:39-4a(1)], Aggravated Assault [2C:12-1b(4)] and Prohibited Area to Carry a Firearm [2C:58-4.6(1)].  He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail.  These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.