Man in Bow-and-Arrow Attack Barricades Home, Starts Fires in Kearny
A man in Kearny, New Jersey, became the center of a tense situation following a fatal bow-and-arrow attack. Law enforcement reported that he barricaded himself inside a residence, igniting two fires during a standoff that lasted for several hours. The incident began on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday afternoon.
Details of the Incident
The assault occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday when a man was found collapsed outside a hair salon, suffering from a serious injury caused by an arrow. Neighbors were first alerted to the situation when flames erupted from the suspect’s home, located at 20 Kearny Avenue.
Law Enforcement Response
- The Hudson County SWAT team responded promptly.
- Officers arrived with weapons drawn and began negotiations with the suspect.
- Fire crews worked to extinguish the flames while the standoff unfolded.
Witnesses described the scene, with one resident stating, “At 5 o’clock in the morning, we saw the fire and the police evacuating everyone.” Another neighbor recounted how the police began to respond around 7 or 8 o’clock, coinciding with the arrival of the SWAT team.
Arrest and Charges
After over 12 hours, authorities successfully apprehended the suspect on Sunday afternoon. Reports indicated that he was armed with knives at the time of his arrest. Firefighters had to contend with a second, smaller fire set by the suspect during the standoff.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is now leading the investigation into the attack, the subsequent standoff, and the fires. Charges against the suspect are pending, although both the victim and the suspect have yet to be identified.
Community Impact
Residents near the scene were understandably anxious during the prolonged situation. Many evacuated their homes, taking refuge in a local church, while others remained inside as a precaution. One neighbor expressed gratitude for the police’s handling of the event, stating, “They helped us very much.” Many residents continue to search for answers about the motives behind the attack, with some noting the inherent unpredictability of human behavior.
This incident has shaken the Kearny community. Neighbors who witnessed the standoff expressed disbelief about the suspect’s actions and the horrific nature of the crime.