NJ Man Locked Ex-Girlfriend In Crawl Space: Police

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — An Atlantic City man assaulted his ex-girlfriend and trapped her inside a crawl space inside his apartment, according to police.

Police responded to the 1400 block of Absecon Boulevard shortly before 5 p.m. on May 3 for the report of a woman being held against her will, assaulted and fearing for her life, according to an Atlantic City police news release.

A third party told 911 that Gary Lockel, 54, had forced the woman - whom he had previously been dating - into a crawl space and wouldn't let her out, police said.

Lockel refused orders from police to leave the apartment and attempts to negotiate failed, police said. After communication broke down, police entered the apartment, fearing for the safety of the victim, according to police.

Inside, Lockel had begun an attempt to barricade himself inside the apartment, according to police. He was taken into custody without incident.

The woman was found and treated on scene for minor injuries.

Investigation found that Lockel and the woman were former romantic partners and he had thrown an object at her face, threatening to kill her, police said.

Lockel was charged with criminal restraint, terroristic threats, simple assault, obstruction of justice and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was taken to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.