VINELAND, NJ — What should have been a celebration for a one-year-old child turned into a frightening confrontation when a man allegedly pulled a firearm during a physical altercation at a birthday party in Vineland.

According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, 28-year-old Angel Rivera of Vineland was found guilty by a jury of two second-degree weapons offenses stemming from the June 27, 2021 incident.

Authorities said a fight broke out during the child’s birthday celebration when Rivera pulled out a gun and used it to threaten or harass another person at the gathering.

Police responded to the scene, but Rivera reportedly fled as officers arrived. He was subsequently located and arrested several blocks away.

Investigators later recovered the firearm with assistance from a police K-9 unit. Authorities said the weapon was discovered approximately half a block from where Rivera was apprehended, hidden in tall weeds on a vacant lot.

Rivera was convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

He now faces a potential prison sentence of five to 10 years. The sentence could include a minimum of three and a half years before becoming eligible for parole.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 21.

The case was prosecuted by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.