HIGHLAND PARK — A five-hour standoff that forced police to close part of Route 27 and lock down an elementary school ended today when police subdued a borough man who was barricaded in a home on South 10th Avenue. At 3:34 p.m., police rushed into the home of Peter Ray, 61, who threatened officers with a hammer, and apprehended...
A map view of the approximate location in Highland Park where police have closed Route 27.HIGHLAND PARK — A five-hour standoff that forced police to close part of Route 27 and lock down an elementary school ended today when police subdued a borough man who was barricaded in a home on South 10th Avenue.
At 3:34 p.m., police rushed into the home of Peter Ray, 61, who threatened officers with a hammer, and apprehended him without injury, Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said in a statement.
The standoff began shortly after 10:16 a.m., when police received a 911 call that Ray threatened people with a gun, Kaplan said in a joint statement with borough police Chief Stephen Rizco. Ray allegedly threatened to shoot police officers, prompting police to close off the nearby Route 27 for three blocks and cordon off surrounding streets.
Officers also secured nearby day care centers and schools, which continued their normal routine, Kaplan said. More than a dozen officers were at the scene in SWAT gear with rifles.
Officers from Edison, New Brunswick and Rutgers University assisted at the scene
After hours of unsuccessful negotiations, police rushed into the house and apprehended Ray, Kaplan said. He said no firearms were found. Ray was brought out sitting up on a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance.
He was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and possession of weapon — the hammer — for an unlawful purpose.
Previous coverage:
• Police reopen Route 27 in Highland Park after removing man from home where he barricaded himself