Bridgewater Township police responded to a barricaded incident where Alonzo D. Blakey held a female victim hostage and made threats. After negotiations, SWAT officers rescued the victim and subdued Blakey, who had self-inflicted stab wounds. Both are expected to survive. Blakey faces multiple charges and remains under police guard. RLS Media reported
Bridgewater Township
Written by Richard L. Smith
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald has reported a significant turn of events that occurred during a barricaded incident in Bridgewater Township on the morning of Friday, November 10. The incident resulted in the arrest of Mr. Alonzo D. Blakey, a 50-year-old resident of Columbia Drive, Bridgewater.
At approximately 7:19 a.m., the Bridgewater Police Department received a 9-1-1 call regarding an unknown problem at a residence on Columbia Drive. Concerned family members made subsequent 9-1-1 calls, reporting that an adult female relative was being held against her will inside the residence.
The Bridgewater Township Police quickly responded to the scene and discovered that the entry to the residence had been barricaded. Alonzo Blakey, the suspect, was inside, holding the female victim against her will and making threats to harm both her and himself. In response, the Somerset County Emergency Response Team was activated, including members of the Somerset County SWAT Team, the Somerset County Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), Tactical Medics, and the Somerset County Communications Field Mobile Command Post.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that members of the Somerset County Crisis Negotiations Team engaged in negotiations with Blakey for approximately four hours. However, during the standoff, SWAT officers positioned tactically heard the victim’s screams from within the barricaded residence.
In a swift and decisive move, the SWAT team initiated an explosive breach of the front door, which was obstructed by various items and furniture. Once inside, the female victim rushed towards the SWAT officers, who successfully rescued her from the dangerous situation.
The victim had visible stab wounds and lacerations on her face and hand. Simultaneously, the SWAT officers encountered Blakey, who collapsed to the floor. It was then discovered that Blakey had self-inflicted stab wounds to his arm. Due to the severity of his injuries, the SWAT officers took swift action, including the application of a tourniquet.
Tactical Medics from the Somerset County SWAT Team, along with medical personnel from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, provided life-saving emergency aid to both Blakey and the victim. Both individuals were transported to an area trauma center for medical attention, and their injuries are expected to be survivable.
Prosecutor McDonald revealed that detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Bridgewater Police Department have initiated an investigation into the incident. As a result, Blakey has been charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Blakey is currently under police guard at an area trauma center. Once released, he will be transported to the Somerset County Jail by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, where he will be held pending a detention hearing.
The incident remains under active investigation, and Prosecutor McDonald, along with Chief Roman and Chief Mitzak, is urging anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100.
The swift response and coordinated efforts of law enforcement ensured the safety and well-being of the victim and led to the resolution of this challenging situation.
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