TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON POLICE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
350 Hudson Avenue, Township of Washington
County of Bergen – New Jersey 07676
Phone # 201-664-1140
Fax # 201-664-2959
WWW.WASHTWPPOLICE.ORG
Chief of Police – John Calamari
Director – James Giblin

The Township of Washington Police Department announces the arrest of Benjamin P. Ritter on December 5, 2024. Pursuant to a court–authorized order to search and seize weapons that was
issued by the Bergen County Superior Court, Township of Washington Police Officers located and seized a variety of illegal weapons and high–capacity magazines from the residence of
Benjamin P. Ritter on December 5, 2024, including:

  • Smith & Wesson AR 10 with folding stock and pistol grip
  • Smith and Wesson AR 15 with folding stock and pistol grip
  • Eighteen (18) 30 Round High–Capacity Magazines
  • Six (6) 20 Round High–Capacity Magazines
  • One (1) 25 Round High–Capacity Magazines
  • Five (5) 17 round High–Capacity Magazines


Benjamin P. Ritter was subsequently charged with the following:

  • 2C:39–5F – Unlawful Possession of weapons, Assault Firearms – 2 Counts
  • 2C:39–3J – Prohibited weapons and devices, High–Capacity Magazines – 1 Count

Benjamin P. Ritter is currently lodged at the Bergen County Jail pending further action by the Court.

Criminal Charges and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed
innocent until and unless proven guilty.