According to a statement released by Lakewood Police, at approximately 7:10 pm, Officers Joseph Rusk and Matthew McAvoy responded to Lisa Robyn Circle after receiving a report that a male and female were involved in a verbal altercation. Upon their initial arrival, they did not find anyone in need of assistance. After multiple checks of the area, they were flagged down by 50-year-old Kadiatu Sesay.
Police said Ms. Sesay told the officers that she and a friend were conversing in the living room of her Lisa Robyn Circle home when suddenly her 25-year-old son, Stanley Williams, came down from his upstairs bedroom and began acting erratically.
She then escorted Officers Rusk and McAvoy back to her home. Upon entering the home, Williams has already retreated to his bedroom. The Officers and backup Officer Seehausen, who was now on the scene, ascended to the third floor, where they identified themselves and as they knocked on the bedroom door, they requested Williams to come out.
Officials said, according to the Officers, Williams swiftly opened the door. Without notice, hesitation, or warning began striking Officer McAvoy and Rusk about the face and head with what appeared to be a knife. He continued to advance towards them as they stood in the stairway.
All three Officers sought cover but not before Officers Rusk and McAvoy sustained injuries to their face and head. At that time, the decision was made to exit the home to access their injury and seek treatment.
As additional units arrived, the home's exterior was secured as they awaited the arrival of the Lakewood Police Department Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiator Sgt. Peter Aakjer. Sgt. Aakjer was able to establish contact with Mr. Williams to convince him to surrender.
However, despite the intense and extensive conversation, Williams would not comply.
Officials said at approximately 2:30 am the Lakewood SRT, along with assistance from the Ocean County SWAT, made entry into the home. As the team made their way through the home, they encountered Williams as he sat on the staircase, armed with what appeared to be a handgun.
He immediately retreated to his room. Efforts were again made to have him surrender, but all attempts were ignored.
Once the tactical teams were in a safe position, Lt. Robert Shimonovich deployed pepper spray rounds through the third-floor bedroom window. A short time later, Mr. Williams emerged from his room, unarmed, and placed under arrest without incident.
After he was taken into custody, officers located an approximately 12" smooth edge knife that was used to strike Officers Rusk and McAvoy, as well as the firearm he possessed on the staircase. Upon further inspection of the weapon, it was determined to be a realistic-looking pellet gun, officials said.
Officials said, as a result, Stanley Williams was charged with Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, and the Attempted Murder of two Police Officers. He was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail.
The Lakewood Police Department would like to thank the Lakewood Emergency Medical Services, the staff at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, the Ocean County Sheriff's Office, and the members of Chaverim who volunteered their time last evening.