SWAT Standoff: Troubled Ridgefield Park Man Taken To Hospital

An emotionally disturbed apartment visitor held responders at bay in Ridgefield Park for four hours before being taken to a hospital Monday afternoon, authorities said.

No injuries were reported following the SWAT standoff, which Ridgefield Park Police Chief Joseph Rella said began shortly after 12:30 p.m. March 25.
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Jerry DeMarco

03/25/2024 5:44 p.m.

Police responded for a welfare check at the Marlboro House Apartments on Main Street around 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 25, Ridgefield Park Police Chief Joseph Rella said.

The man, who apparently was visiting a relative, threatened to jump from the balcony of a third-floor apartment four stories above the rear parking lot.

Village police had spoken to the man for two hours before members of a Regional Crisis Negotiation Team took over. Newark police also brought an inflatable "pillow" cushion that was set into place.

The county negotiators spent another two hours with the man before catching a break.

He'd become hungry and stepped far enough away from the balcony for the team to rush and tackle him as the man grabbed a slice of pizza that they'd ordered.

He was taken to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus for a psychological evaluation, said Rella, the police chief.

There was no reason to file charges, he said.

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