WESTFIELD, NJ – A Westfield resident has been indicted on 14 counts by a Union County grand jury following a prolonged standoff with local police.
The incident began on July 5 when Westfield police were alerted to a dispute at the residence of Michael P. Ward, 41. On arriving at the scene, officers encountered Ward at the front door, holding a kitchen knife. Ward then retreated into the home, causing a standoff situation.
Several victims were able to safely leave the property while Ward remained inside. The vicinity was soon secured by local authorities, and the Union County Emergency Response Team, including Hostage Negotiators and a SWAT Team, was deployed.
Despite negotiators making multiple attempts to engage with Ward, he refused to leave the residence. The situation concluded in the early hours of July 6, with the SWAT team entering the house and detaining Ward.