Crime & Safety
‘Hostage Situation’ In Caldwell Lasts Through The Night: Police
A Caldwell resident was held against her will by a family member. There was a weapon involved, police said.
CALDWELL, NJ — A woman was taken into custody after a tense “hostage situation” that unfolded Wednesday night and ended the next morning in Caldwell, authorities said.
According to the Caldwell Police Department, officers responded to a home on the 500-block of Bloomfield Avenue around 6:40 p.m. to do a welfare check.
Here’s what happened next, police said:
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“Officers were able to make verbal contact with the resident, but were unable to physically see the resident, as the occupants would not open the apartment door. Officers learned while on scene that the resident was being held against her will by a family member and that there was a weapon involved. Caldwell officers requested mutual aid from surrounding agencies to assist in establishing a perimeter, immediately evacuated the building, and closed Bloomfield Avenue in both directions between Westover Avenue and Lane Avenue. The New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit was requested and responded to assist with the barricaded hostage situation. After hours of negotiations and dialogue, the female actor was taken into custody at approximately 8 a.m.”
“The incident is under further investigation and no additional information will be released at this time,” police said Thursday.
The Caldwell Police Department thanked other residents of the affected property – who were evacuated until the scene cleared – for remaining patient.
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“We would also like to thank the West Essex First Aid Squad and surrounding law enforcement agencies for their assistance,” police said.
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