SWAT Standoff With Shotgun-Wielding Union Man Ends Peacefully

UNION, NJ — An "erratic" and "distraught" man holding a shotgun inside a home, with family members hiding inside, led to a SWAT standoff on Monday night in Union Township, police said.

A resident inside the Arnet Avenue home called 911 just after 7 p.m to report a family member was acting erratic and punching walls in the home. The caller was hiding in the closet with another family member and said she was afraid, Union Police said.

Union Police Officers went to the back of the home and saw the "enraged" man walking around the home while holding a shotgun under his arm, police said.

Once more police arrived they tried to get the "distraught" man to come out of his home, but he refused causing police to set up a perimeter around the home.

Neighbors were told to remain in their homes and to stay in the basement until there was no longer any danger.

The Union County SWAT team arrived by 8 p.m. After police talked with the man the other family members were able to leave and ran out of the front door at about 8:18 p.m., police said.

SWAT officers later went into the home, found the man who was taken to a hospital for further treatment and a mental health evaluation.

No one else was inside the home and guns were taken for safekeeping, police said.

There were no reported injuries.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.