An actor has faced reality regarding the use of a gun.
The actor, Carlo Goias, a 48-year-old Toms River man, has pleaded guilty to a charge of creating a false public alarm by waving a BB gun out of a vehicle while riding in Woodbridge.
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Goias pleaded guilty to the charge during a hearing in New Brunswick before Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas on July 20, according to a statement prepared by Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Care.
On Nov. 16, 2015, Goias was acting in an independent film in Woodbridge and shooting a scene that included a car chase and required him to shoot out the window of his vehicle. The production company lacked the necessary permits, however, so neither the police nor residents of the neighborhood where filming took place knew that Goias’ actions were just a performance.
According to Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Dina Besai, this led to false public alarm among residents who thought an actual armed criminal was on the loose.
Additionally, under state law, a BB gun is considered a handgun, which Goias is forbidden to possess owing to former criminal convictions.
“He can never have a handgun in the State of New Jersey as a prior convicted felon,” Besai said.
In exchange for the plea, Goias faces up to three years of probation in exchange for the plea, although his attorney may request less time when he is sentenced on Oct. 14.
