Pedro Carmona

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Apr 15, 2026, 12:55 PM

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Updated

A verbal dispute at a convenience store escalated into a major weapons investigation after a man allegedly brandished a handgun and threatened to kill a fellow patron.

The incident began on Saturday evening, March 21, at the 24/7 On the Go store located at 310 Lexington Avenue. According to a victim's report filed on April 3, a brief exchange of words turned violent when a man exited a black vehicle, entered the store, and pulled a handgun from his waistband.

Detectives identified the suspect as 42-year-old Willie Martinez of Clifton. The investigation revealed that while Martinez possessed a permit to carry a firearm, he allegedly displayed the weapon unlawfully and failed to keep it in a required holster.

On Monday, April 13, detectives spotted Martinez driving his 2021 Lexus RX350 near Clifton Avenue and Third Street. Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop and took Martinez into custody without incident.

Following the arrest, Martinez cooperated with detectives and allowed them to retrieve the weapon used in the store dispute from his residence. However, a court-authorized search of the home uncovered a much larger cache of illegal items.

Detectives recovered several prohibited devices, including a large-capacity magazine and two handguns with no serial numbers. Evidence suggests Martinez manufactured these 9mm Glock-style firearms himself. Police also seized a Taurus 9mm handgun believed to be the weapon brandished during the initial confrontation.

Martinez now faces a long list of charges, including terroristic threats, multiple counts of possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and possession of high-capacity magazines and prohibited devices. He is also charged with three violations of his permit to carry a handgun.

Authorities have seized Martinez's purchaser ID card and carry permit for safekeeping while the case proceeds.