BRIDGEPORT – On Jan. 10, Logan Township Police responded to 406 Barker Ave for a report of a dispute involving threats and one of the involved parties pointing a firearm at the victim.
Upon arrival, patrol officers learned that the suspect, Michael Virelli, had held both a torch and a handgun to the victim’s head during the course of the dispute. Upon the victim dialing 9-1-1, Virelli fled the scene in a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and reportedly was still in possession of the handgun used in the incident.
While taking the initial report, officers observed numerous weapons in the residence, all in plain view and were seized as evidence.
A pick-up and hold was put out via Gloucester County Communications for the suspect and his vehicle. Officers from East Greenwich and West Deptford located the vehicle on I-295 and conducted a motor vehicle stop.
At that time Virelli was taken into custody and transported to Logan Township Police headquarters for processing. He was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Aggravated Assault and Terroristic Threats.
Virelli was then transported to the Salem County Correctional Facility in default of $75,000 full cash bail. The vehicle was seized pending application for a search warrant.
On Jan. 12, a search warrant was executed on Virelli’s vehicle. Suspected crystal methamphetamine, suspected marijuana over 50 grams, a set of brass knuckles, two glass smoking pipes containing suspected CDS residue and a motor vehicle lock-picking kit were seized during the course of that search.
On Jan. 13, a search warrant was executed on Virelli’s Barker Avenue residence. Three 12 gauge shotguns and two .177 caliber compressed air guns were seized during that search. Also seized was a quantity of suspected marijuana, several wax folds containing suspected heroin, four hypodermic syringes, eight smoking pipes containing suspected CDS residue, three digital scales, CDS packaging materials, a marijuana grinder and a plastic storage shed which was modified into a marijuana grow box.
Based on the evidence seized, Virelli was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Weapons (compressed air handguns), Unlawful Possession of Weapons (shotguns), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (brass knuckles), Unlawful Possesion of Weapons (knives), Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons, Possession of Marijuana Over 50g, Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Burglary Tools.
Bail was set at $75,000 full cash bail on the charges stemming from the search warrant.
Investigating officers were Sgt. Steve Carson, Det. Marie Frey and Investigator Nicholas Barber.
