Knife-Wielding Man Shot By Police In Jackson: Prosecutor

JACKSON, NJ -- A knife-wielding an was shot by police who were responding to a call of a hostage situation in Jackson, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Sunday.

Travis Van Pelt, 22, of Laurel Avenue in Jackson, was listed in stable condition Sunday, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Della Fave said Jackson police received a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday reporting a man armed with a knife holding two people hostage inside a Laurel Avenue home.

When the responding officers arrived and entered the home, they encountered Van Pelt, who was "wielding a knife in a threatening manner," Della Fave said.

"The responding officer(s) fired upon Mr. Van Pelt, striking him at least one time," Della Fave said.

Van Pelt was taken to the hospital, Della Fave said, and the other occupants in the house were located.

Della Fave said the prosecutor's office major crimes unit is investigating "as per the mandates and guidelines of the New Jersey State Attorney Genera l’s Office regarding police-involved shootings. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit is assisting with the investigation and Jackson Township police are cooperating, he said.

Anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Lindsay Woodfield of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027. There is no further information that can be provided at this time, Della Fave said.

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