Newark Father Takes His Kids Hostage In NJ, No Charges Filed: Police

NEWARK, NJ — Newark police rescued two young children after their father reportedly took them hostage and barricaded himself inside an apartment on Tuesday, authorities say.

Police responded to the Midland Place apartment around 8:05 a.m. after receiving a call about a barricaded person that was holding two children captive. A police hostage negotiator on the scene managed to convince the man to release the children.

The children - aged two and five-years-old – didn’t suffer injury during the encounter, police said.

Police continued negotiations with the man and his attorney; he ultimately surrendered around 11 a.m. and was taken to University Hospital for evaluation, authorities said.

The man is not facing criminal charges, the Newark Department of Public Safety stated Wednesday.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose commended the “excellent work of the members of the Police Division’s Emergency Services Bureau” as well as the work of the hostage negotiator.

“The extensive training afforded to these professionals resulted in a successful conclusion for everyone involved in this incident,” Ambrose said.