Hoboken: Cops Arrest Knife-Wielding Burglary Suspect Following a Tense Rooftop Standoff

Hoboken police arrested a knife-wielding burglary suspect following a tense rooftop standoff on Saturday afternoon.

According to police, the incident began around 3 p.m. in the area of Third Hudson streets, when officers tried to stop William Johnson, 49, of Weehawken, for his suspected role in the robbery of a Hoboken restaurant in 2014.

Johnson fled the arrest attempt and made his way to the rooftops between Third and Fourth streets. Officers pursued and eventually trapped Johnson on the rooftop of 330 Hudson Street.

Police reported that Johnson then showed officers that he had two knives – one in each hand – and told cops to stay away. He then perched on the ledge of the rooftop and began making demands, at times “becoming violent” and expressing that he didn’t want to be arrested.

Soon afterwards, Port Authority and Jersey City Emergency Service Units arrived on the scene and assisted with securing the surrounding areas. Medical teams were also on standby, stated police.

After more than two hours of continued communication with Johnson, he ultimately laid down his weapons and surrendered to arrest.

Along with the outstanding warrant for burglary and theft, Johnson was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and hindering apprehension, in addition to weapons charges.

Police reported that he was taken directly from the scene to Hoboken University Medical Center, where he will be “evaluated for medical needs.”

Detective Captain Charles Campbell praised officers’ responses to the incident.

“I’d like to commend the actions of the Hoboken officers who put themselves in harm’s way to not only apprehend Johnson, but to attend to his emotional state and medical needs at the time of this incident,” Campbell said. “Furthermore, I thank the Port Authority and Jersey City ESU for the assistance, as they were paramount for the successful outcome of this event.”