Somerset county swat standoff ends with hostage rescue and arrest — police lghts

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – A nearly five-hour SWAT standoff ended with the rescue of a hostage and the arrest of Alonzo D. Blakey, 50, on Friday in Somerset County.

Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald reported that police responded to 9-1-1 calls at around 7:20 a.m. about Blakey holding a female relative hostage in his apartment on Columbia Drive in Finderne. Upon arrival, Bridgewater police found Blakey threatening to harm himself and the victim.

The Somerset County SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), Tactical Medics, and Communications Field Mobile Command Post were deployed. After nearly four hours of negotiation attempts, the SWAT team heard the victim screaming inside the barricaded residence.

McDonald stated that an “explosive breach” of the barricaded front door was conducted, leading to the rescue of the victim, who had sustained cuts and stab wounds. Simultaneously, Blakey, who had self-inflicted stab wounds, collapsed and was taken into custody.

Emergency aid was provided on the scene to both Blakey and the victim by SWAT officers and tactical medics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Both were transported to a trauma center and are expected to survive.

Blakey faces charges of second-degree aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and unlawful weapon possession.

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