A New Jersey actor and stand-up comedian says he is facing charges for using a fake gun while filming a movie in Woodbridge, New Jersey, last fall.

Carlo Bellario told News 12 New Jersey that while he was “playing a bodyguard for a drug dealer,” he held an unloaded airsoft gun and pretended to shoot.

Carlo Bellario says that while he was “playing a bodyguard for a drug dealer,” he held an unloaded airsoft gun and pretended to shoot. Image source: News 12 New Jersey

Bellario acknowledged that the film crew had neither a permit to film in the area nor a permit to film with replica firearms.

While they were filming the scene in question, residents reported seeing guns, and police responded.

“They rolled up hot," Bellario said. “There was eight of them. They got out. They were all charged up. 'Who's the guy driving, where's the guy with the gun?'” he said. “I said, 'I'm right here, we're actors, we're shooting a movie.’ I'm in character still. It was in my waistband. I pulled it out slowly because I don't want to make the wrong move."

Bellario was arrested and charged with weapons possession. He was jailed for four days while trying to gather the funds for his $10,000 bail because the film producers “refused to help.” He is currently barred from leaving the state of New Jersey and says he is missing out on income from out-of-state opportunities for stand-up.

If convicted under New Jersey’s strict gun laws, Bellario could potentially spend five years in prison.