Lyndhurst Standoff Ends After Barricaded Man Uses Flamethrower: Report

LYNDHURST, NJ — A man who used a flamethrower during a standoff with law enforcement in Lyndhurst surrendered after about 20 hours, the Bergen County Prosecutor said.

"The barricaded subject at 444 Thomas Avenue in Lyndhurst surrendered without incident to law enforcement at 12:20 pm today," Prosecutor Mark Musella said Wednesday in a news release. "The subject remains in custody and charges are pending."

Residents in the area may access their homes, though Thomas Avenue between Chase Avenue and Eighth Street "will remained closed for the foreseeable future," police said.

Officials have not identified the suspect, or said why they were called to the residence.

Lyndhurst officers and members of the Bergen County Regional SWAT were in conversation with him from about 4:13 p.m. Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon.

New Jersey News12 reported that the suspect used a flamethrower at one point in the investigation. Several Twitter users have shared video that they claim shows part of the standoff, and the flamethrower.

Police have not confirmed this; however, they did tell News12 the man legally owns weapons.

Residents near the scene were asked to shelter in place.

"We cannot thank the community for their long-standing patience and cooperation throughout this difficult situation," Lyndhurst Police said. "Thomas Avenue between Chase Avenue and Eighth Street will remained closed for the foreseeable future, however residents may now access their homes."

The original version of this story is below.

NEW JERSEY — Some residents in Lyndhurst are on a second day of lockdown as Bergen County law enforcement speak with a barricaded suspect on Thomas Avenue, officials said.

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella's office said no shots have been fired in an email to Patch.

The nature of the investigation, which has been described as “ongoing” and “dynamic” by Lyndhurst police, was not immediately clear. Rumors of shots fired were quelled by police on social media, and by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

Police ask residents on Thomas Avenue between Chase Avenue and Eighth Street to stay in their homes.

The Lyndhurst Police Department issued the following update Wednesday morning:

“The situation on Thomas Avenue remains the same. We encourage everyone in the immediate area on Thomas Avenue, between Chase Avenue and Eighth Street, to remain in their homes. We are unable to grant requests to re-enter homes in that area at this time.”

The Bergen County Regional SWAT Team has been at the residence since Tuesday, according to the county prosecutor's office.

"Police initially responded to the address at approximately 4:13 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, and they have been in contact with an individual in that residence since that time," Musella said. "No other individuals are believed to be in the home. Residents are advised to avoid the area of 444 Thomas Avenue, and additional information will be released as it becomes available."

The shelter-in-place was first issued Tuesday around 5 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the police department. While the initial report clarified that there is no threat to public safety, police later added that the lockdown was enacted in order to ensure that “all parties near the scene remain safe.”

“We urge everyone to stay indoors, however, if you need to leave your home for relocation or for an urgent matter ONLY, please contact the Lyndhurst Police Department at the number below that is specifically dedicated to the residents in the affected area,” Lyndhurst police said Tuesday. That phone number is (201) 446 - 2378.

Arrangements have been made to allow students in the area to be granted permission to be late to school.

Residents affected by the lockdown can call (201) 446-2378 with any questions.