NEWARK — A man wanted for attempted murder was taken into custody Monday after a four-hour standoff with law enforcement in Newark that involved gunfire and a baby used as a human shield, authorities said.
The incident began around 11 a.m. at 445 Irvine Turner Boulevard, when the suspect barricaded himself inside a residence as police attempted to apprehend him on an outstanding attempted murder warrant out of Hillside.
At one point during the standoff, the suspect fired shots from inside the home at officers, according to law enforcement. No injuries were reported from the gunfire.
Authorities say the man tried to use a baby to prevent police from entering. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka confirmed the child’s safety after the situation was defused.
“I do know he did have a baby, I know the police retrieved the baby from his custody, we have the child so the child is not in danger, thank god,” Baraka said at the scene. “I don’t know what he was trying to do, or what it was about.”
The standoff ended shortly after 3 p.m. when the suspect was taken into custody. Officials said he was alive when transported to the hospital, though his condition was not immediately clear.
The baby was unharmed and is now in protective care.
