June 11, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Washington Township Chief of Police Michael Bailey announce the investigation into an incident involving a male subject who was allegedly in his residence with a weapon.

At approximately 10:44 am, Washington Township police received a call indicating a male subject was located inside his residence with a weapon. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit along with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Hostage Negotiation Team, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT), Washington Township Fire Department and Long Valley Emergency Medical Services responded. The Hostage Negotiation Team was able to make contact with the subject and maintained communication with him for a long period of time. Ultimately, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team made entry to the residence and the subject was safely removed and transported to an area hospital. Weapons which were contained within the residence were seized.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "The successful outcome of this case is the result of the professionalism which was displayed by the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Hostage Negotiation Team and the Washington Township Police Department. This situation could have had a very different outcome. The tactical application which was demonstrated by the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team was extremely professional and very successful. Nobody was injured and we were able to get the individual the appropriate medical assistance required."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio