Man Charged With Possessing Firearm After Being In House Hit With Gunfire

Sunday, March 30, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ.- The Phillipsburg Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals wanted in connection with firing multiple gunshots into a Phillipsburg, New Jersey home Friday morning.

     According to Acting Warren County Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at around 5:45 a.m., members of the Phillipsburg Police Department responded to a multiple-shot ShotSpotter activation in the area of Sitgreaves Street and Spruce Alley in the Town of Phillipsburg.

Police Officers Find Shell Casings In Alley

     Upon arrival, Police Officers located multiple shell casings in Spruce Alley and multiple bullet holes found on the exterior of a home. During the initial investigation, Responding Police Officers determined that no one was struck by gunfire or sustained injuries in the shooting.

     During further investigation, Police Officers found Akil Gilbert of Easton, Pennsylvania, inside the residence in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine.

     Gilbert was taken into custody and charged with weapons offenses. He was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Warren County Correctional Center, pending future court proceedings in Warren County Superior Court in Belvidere, New Jersey. 

     At this time, Detectives have determined there is no evidence that the handgun recovered from Gilbert was involved in the shooting.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”