PARK RIDGE, N.J.—On Aug. 1 at 9:16 p.m., the Park Ridge Police Department was dispatched to a Johnsvale Road address for a reported distraught man with a loaded gun who made threats after arguing with family members.
No injuries were reported.
Police Chief Joseph Madden told Pascack Press on the morning of Aug. 2 that upon police arrival, it was learned that a male resident, 32, a military veteran, was inside the home with a large cache of weapons at his ready.
Madden said family members, who made the initial call, left the residence and were brought to safety. A perimeter around the home was quickly established, by members of the department and various other law enforcement agencies from the Pascack Valley area.
The Bergen County Regional SWAT Team was notified and responded. A reverse 911 message was sent to the surrounding neighborhood advising everyone stay indoors.
The subject, after speaking with the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team crisis negotiators asked to speak with Sgt. John Szot of Park Ridge police, whom he knows. Szot responded to the scene and worked with the negotiators for more than an hour.
Madden said the suspect surrendered to law enforcement at approximately 11:45 p.m. and was transported to New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus.
The case is under investigation. Charges had not been filed as of Aug. 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Madden thanked the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Anthony Cureton and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilloti.
He also commended Bergen County Regional SWAT team members and negotiators for their expertise and professionalism.