By: Richard L. Smith
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald reported a dramatic turn of events following a barricaded incident that unfolded on the morning of Friday, November 10, in Bridgewater Township, resulting in the arrest of Mr. Alonzo D. Blakey, 50, of Columbia Drive, Bridgewater.
Officials said the incident began at approximately 7:19 a.m. when the Bridgewater Police Department received a 9-1-1 call regarding an unknown problem at a residence on Columbia Drive in Bridgewater.
Subsequent 9-1-1 calls from concerned family members reported an adult female relative inside the residence against her will.
Bridgewater Township Police swiftly responded to the scene, where they discovered the entry to the residence barricaded.
The suspect, identified as Alonzo Blakey, 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 revealed that members of the Somerset County Crisis Negotiations Team engaged in negotiation efforts with Blakey for approximately four hours.
During this tense standoff, SWAT officers stationed in a tactical position 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.
Upon entry, the female victim rushed towards the SWAT officers, who managed to rescue her from the dangerous situation.
The victim had visible stab wounds and lacerations on her face and hand. Simultaneously, SWAT officers encountered Blakey, who collapsed to the floor.
It was then discovered that Blakey had self-inflicted stab wounds to his arm. Swift action by SWAT officers, including the application of a tourniquet, was necessary due to the severity of his injuries.
Officials said Tactical Medics from the Somerset County SWAT Team, along with medical personnel from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, administered life-saving emergency aid to both Blakey and the victim.
Both Blakey and the victim were transported to an area trauma center for medical attention, and they are expected to survive their injuries.
Prosecutor McDonald detailed that detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Bridgewater Police Department initiated an investigation into the matter.
Subsequently, Blakey was charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Blakey remains under police guard at an area trauma center, and upon his release, 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. Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Chief Mitzak are 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.