Man Held Woman, Child Hostage In Camden Co. Supermarket: Affidavit

Editor's note: This article contains descriptions of violence that some readers may find disturbing. Victims of domestic violence and those who may be at risk can view their county's resources, call the New Jersey hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), or contact the national domestic-violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For emergencies, call 911.

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — A man accused of holding a woman and child hostage last weekend at a Camden County supermarket has been publicly identified.

John Russo, 40, of Gloucester Township, held a knife to his ex-girlfriend's throat during a standoff with police Saturday at ShopRite of Lawnside, according to records Patch obtained. During that time, Russo forced the victim and her son to sit on his lap, says the affidavit into his arrest.

Beforehand, Russo located his ex-girlfriend at her relative's apartment and threw a rock through a glass door to break in, the affidavit says. Russo wielded a chef's knife, assaulted the woman, and forced her and her son into a vehicle, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

The victim had a temporary restraining order against Russo before Saturday's events.

Before breaking in, Russo tried to speak with his ex-girlfriend while she was outside the apartment. The victim told him to leave and shut the rear glass door.

Russo then threw a rock through the door and entered the home, the affidavit says. While inside, he dragged the victim by her hair from the living room to a bedroom, according to court records.

She sustained "minor" injuries to her neck and scalp from the assault, officials said.

While inside, Russo threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, her child and himself if the woman's family member called police, authorities said.

Russo forced the victim and her son into her vehicle and placed another knife in the sun visor, the affidavit says. He forced the victim to drive to a different family member's apartment, according to law enforcement.

At the destination, they entered the family member's vehicle. The victim requested they drive to ShopRite of Lawnside so she could buy diapers and formula for her son.

Someone at ShopRite called 911. When police arrived, Russo held a pocket knife against his ex-girlfriend's throat and forced her and her son to sit on his lap in the store, the affidavit says.

Russo was arrested at 7 p.m. Saturday after a brief standoff. ShopRite temporarily closed that evening during the investigation.

Russo was charged with the following (one count each unless otherwise specified):

• first-degree kidnapping
• second-degree kidnapping
• second-degree burglary
• second-degree endangering
• third-degree terroristic threats (two counts)
• third-degree criminal restraint (two counts)
• third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (two counts)
• third-degree endangering
• fourth-degree resisting arrest
• fourth-degree violating a restraining order
• two counts of simple assault (disorderly persons offense)
• criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense)