Man removed from Lodi home, ending long standoff with police

Joshua Jongsma | NorthJersey

Show Caption Hide Caption Lodi lieutenant explains SWAT situation

LODI — A suicidal man believed to be in his 50s was taken into custody and sent to the hospital for evaluation to end a standoff with police in Lodi that lasted more than four hours, authorities said at the scene.

Authorities negotiated with him to come out, but talks broke down, Lodi police Lt. Robert Salerno said. Four gas cartridges were sent into the building before a SWAT team removed him at about 8:45 p.m.

There were no guns in the home or hostages, Salerno said. There were no injuries.

No charges were immediately filed against the man, Salerno said.

The man had barricaded himself before 5 p.m. inside a home on Union Street between Brookside and Woodside avenues, authorities said. The mixed residential and commercial area, which includes Cardy's Sugar Bowl, was shut down but drew large crowds of onlookers.

Helicopters could be heard from above. A SWAT team could be seen set up outside the home.

Jose Henriquez has lived in the area for two years and said he never noticed any trouble.

“Sometimes you have an idea if you see anybody going crazy, but everyone is very calm,” Henriquez said of the neighborhood.

At 7:15 p.m., Lodi police sent out an alert advising, "A shelter in place remains for residents and businesses in area of Union Street between Brookside/Woodside Aves."

The alert added, "While no immediate threat exists to the area, we want to keep everyone safe during this time."

Lodi NJ SWAT response Authorities shut down Union Street in Lodi on June 6, 2018.

The lockdown of the neighborhood left residents like Henriquez unable to enter their homes for much of Wednesday night. Another Lodi resident, named Gloria, said her two sisters and two young nephews had to stay in the house for the duration of the standoff.

"At one point my sisters were peeking through the windows, and then both cops came up and they said, 'No, you guys cannot do that,' " said Gloria, who declined to give her last name. " 'You guys have to stay put. You can’t leave the house. We're in a lockdown.' "

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day.

Staff Writer Keldy Ortiz contributed to this article.

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