Edward James Cameron, 21, of 472 Atlantic Ave., was arrested and charged by Officer Ray Corll with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, receiving stolen property, several firearms violations, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

According to a news release issued today, members of the city police Selective Enforcement Unit and the Street Operations Group had been investigating an increased amount of visible drug activity in the Duke Manor Apartment complex, in the 700 block of Rockland Street, in recent weeks.

On one occasion, an apartment complex employee found a hidden handgun and turned it over to police.

Investigators said they identified Cameron as one of the people allegedly responsible for the drug activity, including one encounter in which the suspect allegedly made contact with an undercover officer.

On Wednesday, officers encountered Cameron a second time and tried to take him into custody.

Instead of cooperating, however, police said Cameron fled, running several blocks before he darted into a parking lot surrounded with a 6-foot fence.

Trapped, police said he removed a stolen .45-caliber handgun from his waistband and pointed it at Corll, who was driving an unmarked police car.

Corll attempted to turn the car sharply to strike Cameron and dislodge his grip on the weapon, or to incapacitate him so he could not use it.

Several other officers had been running after Cameron and closed in on him, taking the suspect into custody and grabbing the gun. Neither Cameron or any of the officers were seriously injured.

Cameron was arraigned before Magisterial District Court Judge Mary Sponaugle and committed to county prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

City police Sgt. Gary Mackley, supervisor of the Special Enforcement Unit, said the officers “showed incredible restraint,’’ while arresting the suspect.

Mackley said the investigation was part of a continuing effort to combat street-level drug dealing and encouraged residents to contact police about criminal activity in the city.

CONTACT US: jkelley@LNPnews.com or 481-6026