Monroe Man Convicted for Pointing Gun at Relative in Elizabeth Restaurant

Patrick Heaney, a 62-year-old man from Monroe, New Jersey, was convicted of multiple weapons offenses after a family confrontation led him to brandish a firearm inside the crowded Valenca Restaurant in Elizabeth. The incident, which caused widespread panic, occurred on November 29, 2024, and Heaney fled the scene before police arrived, only to be arrested the following day with help from Monroe Township Police. After a week-long trial and two days of jury deliberation, Heaney was found guilty of second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, third-degree carrying a firearm in a prohibited location, fourth-degree aggravated assault for pointing the firearm at a relative, unjustified display of a handgun, and recklessly creating a risk of widespread injury or damage. Sentencing is scheduled for January 2, 2026, before Union County Superior Court Judge Christopher Struben. The case highlights strict enforcement of New Jersey's firearm regulations, especially regarding carrying weapons in sensitive locations such as restaurants where alcohol is served. Attorney information for Heaney was not immediately available.