Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Dylan Howard a/k/a Dylan Hannah, 25, of Butler, has been sentenced to twelve years in New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of six years of parole ineligibility related to a series of crimes that occurred in the Borough of Butler spanning from March 8, 2016 through March 31, 2016.
Officials say Howard previously pled guilty to Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Aggravated Assault by Pointing a Weapon at a Law Enforcement Officer, Burglary and Shoplifting. Additionally, Howard was a second time gun offender and pled guilty to being a Certain Person Not to Have a Weapon.
This case stemmed from an investigation into shoplifting at the Lowes Home Improvement store in Butler, New Jersey, which occurred in March 2016.
Subsequently, an investigation was opened related to a burglary into a car, which occurred at the Noah’s Arc Preschool, also in Butler on March 31, 2016. At that time, Howard left the scene to avoid contact with law enforcement and later entered into a vacant home in Butler where he had been squatting. Howard left the home disguised as an old woman and was found at his grandparent’s home a short time later.
Inside the home, Howard possessed a rifle, which he possessed unlawfully and pointed it at Butler Police Officer Jorge Reyes. Based on prior convictions, Howard was not legally permitted to possess a weapon.
Sentence was imposed by the Hon. Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C. The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler in this matter.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “On March 31, 2016, the life of Butler Police Officer Jorge Reyes was changed forever. While facing the worst imaginable scenario for an officer, Sergeant Reyes performed calmly under the pressure and I commend him for that. I would like to thank AP Sandler and the Major Crimes Unit for their efforts in this case, as well as Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento and his entire department for their hard work”.