Police Seek Man Who Forced Way Into Maplewood Home

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A man with a handgun forced open a door to a private home in Maplewood on Wednesday afternoon and got into an "altercation" with the resident, Police Chief Albert Sally said Thursday morning.

The incident occurred in the Washington Park area, three blocks from South Mountain reservation.

Sally said that around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, "A man approached a home at Washington Park and knocked on the door several times. The resident opened the door slightly to inquire who was knocking. The man pushed the door open, causing a physical altercation with the homeowner."

The homeowner was able to get away from the man, who then left the home and entered a vehicle. The vehicle drove off toward Ridgewood Road, Sally said.

Police were told that the man "had a handgun by his waistband."

First responders evaluated the homeowner but he didn't need medical assistance, Sally said. No items were taken from the home.

Police said the man was described as "Medium brown complexion, 20 to 25 years old, approximately 6 foot tall and thin build." He was reported to be wearing a surgical mask, grey sweatpants, with a black handgun by the front waistband of his pants.

The vehicle was a dark colored four-door Subaru.

The Maplewood Police Detective Bureau is continuing the investigation and extra patrol officers have been assigned to the area, according to the chief.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maplewood Police at (973) 762-3400.

Message Sent

On Wednesday afternoon, police from Maplewood sent out a message around 4 p.m. asking the public to avoid the Washington Park area because of "criminal activity."

In the past, police have sent out similar messages about robberies and a break-in.

Patch will update this story when more details are released.