After police shot and killed a man who was flashing a machete outside of a New Jersey home on the evening of Monday, January 5, the officers then went inside, where they found three dead bodies, Us Weekly has confirmed.
The deadly incident unfolded at around 5:30 p.m. in the town of Piscataway. Police have yet to release the names of any of the dead.
A source close to the investigation told Us Weekly that the machete-wielding man charged at arriving officers, who tried using tasers to subdue him. But that move failed to work, and police fatally shot the man as he continued advancing towards them.
Cops say they have recovered the machete the man was holding, the source confirmed.
Prosecutors and Piscataway Police could not be reached for additional details on Tuesday.
“This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the community,” Piscataway Police said in a Facebook post on the police involved shooting. “At this time, there is no danger to the general public. Additional information will be shared when appropriate and the investigation allows. We thank [the] community for its cooperation.”
WABC is reporting that two of the victims found inside the home were the machete-toting man’s grandparents. Later, authorities confirmed that detail and said that the third slain person was the mother of the man who was wielding the machete.
NJ.com reported that police and ambulances from several surrounding towns responded to the scene.
In a statement to X, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association president Peter Andreyev said his organization was “aware of the horrific crime in Middlesex County tonight. All our members that were involved are being evaluated. Thank you to all who have reached to offer support.”
Authorities have not discussed possible causes of death for the three individuals found dead inside the residence.
Neighbors spoke to WABC Monday night about what they heard and saw.
“I was pretty much about to start making dinner, and then I just heard the cops come next door,” neighbor Jessica Conroy said. “I looked outside the window, and they had their weapons drawn, and then we heard the shots go off.”
Neighbor Keith Heron said that one of the victims was a “very nice lady,” and said the neighborhood is generally a quiet one. “It’s so tragic that something like this happens,” said Heron.
News 12 New Jersey spoke to a neighbor who said that they heard several gunshots fired at about 6 p.m. on Monday, soon after police arrived on the street.
News 12 also said several police officers were taken from the scene to an area hospital for evaluation, but that they were all expected to be fine.
Police said they are continuing with their investigation.
Anyone who may have any information that could help police in their investigation is urged to call the Piscataway Police Department at (732) 562-1100 or by calling their TIPS Line at (732) 562-2360. Calls can remain anonymous.
Read the full article here
