Man Wielding Hatchet, Knife Threatened Bayville Home: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — Police used a Taser on a man who was wielding a large hatchet and a knife while threatening a Harbor Inn Road home, Berkeley police said.

The incident on Oct. 11 was shared as part of the department's monthly blotter.

Shortly before 9 p.m. that night, police received a call reporting an armed subject at the front door of the home, attempting to make contact with the homeowner, police said.

The man had arrived at the home via a golf cart and was "acting in a threatening manner," according to police. The caller did not know the man and did not interact with him, instead watching him on a doorbell camera, police said.

Police later identified the man as a 44-year-old homeless man, believed to be living in a wooded area in Bayville.

He was still at the front door when police arrived, holding a hatchet and a fixed blade knife, police said.

Officers initially were able to de-escalate the situation, convincing him to drop both weapons, police said.

He was visibly agitated and police believed he may be drunk, they said. The man became "extremely irate" and refused to calm down, threatening violence against the officers, police said.

Police used "enhanced mechanical force" - a Taser - on the man, and were able to get him onto the ground and handcuff him. No one was injured during this, according to police.

The man was charged with terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail where he still remains as of Nov. 9.

The incident is currently under investigation by Officer Brian Flanegan and Detective Jonathan Mulvihill. Anyone with information is asked to contact 732-341-1132 x611. Tips can be anonymous.