Surrender ends nine-hour standoff in North Cape May

Written by Staff Reports Thursday, November 15, 2012 03:13 pm

LOWER TOWNSHIP – A North Cape May man was arrested Thursday, Nov. 15 after he threatened to shoot police officers responding to his home.

Lower Township police arrested Edward Cerwonka, 44, after a nine-hour standoff at his home on the 100 block of Willow Drive in North Cape May. Officials said Lower Township police arrived at his home around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to check on the well being of Cerwonka.

Upon their arrival, Cerwonka threatened to shoot the officers, according to the Cape May County prosecutor’s office.

The Cape May County Regional Swat and Crisis Negotiation teams were activated and responded to the scene along with members of the prosecutor's office, sheriff's department, the Delaware River Bay Authority and the Town Bank Fire Department.

Communications were established with Cerwonka, and for the next nine hours officers attempted to end the standoff peacefully. At approximately 3 a.m., Cerwonka exited the residence, with a self inflicted gunshot wound, and surrendered to police, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Cerwonka was immediately transported to the hospital for treatment of a non life threatening wound.

As a result of Cerwonka's threats toward the officers he was charged with terroristic threats, a crime of the third degree. Persons convicted of a third degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of three to five years in New Jersey State Prison.

In the release, county prosecutor Robert Taylor and Lower Township Police Chief Brian Marker commended the officers for the dedication and professionalism shown during the incident.