by Kearny, New Jersey — A man is expected to face serious criminal charges after authorities say he fatally struck another man with a bow and arrow before barricading himself inside a residential home that later caught fire during an hours-long police standoff.
The violent incident began Saturday evening when Kearny police responded to reports of a severely injured man found at an intersection. According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the victim had suffered a wound from a pointed object and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members later identified the victim as Pablo Criollo of Harrison, New Jersey. Investigators confirmed the fatal injury was caused by a bow-and-arrow weapon, an extremely rare method in modern homicide cases.
Initial Response and Identification of Suspect
Following the discovery of the victim, law enforcement quickly identified a person of interest connected to the killing. Authorities said the suspect retreated to a two-story home along Kearny Avenue, where he barricaded himself inside.
Due to concerns over public safety, nearby residents were instructed to shelter in place while police secured the surrounding area. A regional SWAT team was called in to assist, and negotiators attempted to communicate with the suspect throughout the night.
Officials did not release the suspect’s name during the standoff, and his relationship to the victim remains unclear.
Overnight Standoff Draws Heavy Police Presence
Negotiations continued for several hours as law enforcement attempted to convince the suspect to surrender peacefully. The prolonged standoff created significant disruption for the neighborhood, with multiple emergency agencies on scene and streets blocked off to traffic.
Residents living near the home were told to remain inside their houses as a precaution. Some neighbors later described hearing loud noises and seeing emergency lights throughout the night.
Police maintained a perimeter around the property while monitoring the suspect’s movements from a distance.
Fire Erupts Inside Barricaded Home
Around 5 a.m. Sunday, the situation escalated further when a fire broke out inside the home where the suspect was barricaded. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigators have not confirmed whether it was intentionally set.
Fire crews responded but were initially unable to enter the structure due to safety concerns. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Officials said the fire was eventually extinguished by Sunday afternoon, though the home sustained visible damage.
Suspect Emerges and Is Taken into Custody
At approximately 1 p.m. Sunday, authorities reported that the suspect exited the burned home. According to local reports, he was armed with knives, covered in soot, and wearing a red bandanna and dark clothing when he emerged.
SWAT officers and police immediately took the suspect into custody without further incident. No additional injuries were reported at the time of arrest.
The suspect was transported to a secure facility for medical evaluation and questioning.
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Charges Pending as Investigation Continues
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said the suspect is expected to be formally charged on Monday, though specific charges have not yet been publicly announced.
Investigators are continuing to examine:
- The motive behind the attack
- The relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victim
- How the bow and arrow was used
- The cause of the house fire
Autopsy results and forensic evidence are expected to play a key role in determining next steps.
Community Reaction
Residents in the area expressed shock over the unusual and violent nature of the incident.
“It’s a crazy world,” said Walter Spiess, a longtime neighborhood resident. “A bow and arrow? Who knows how people think. At least they got him.”
Local officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, and praised the coordinated response between police, SWAT, and fire crews.
What Happens Next
Authorities say additional details will be released once charges are filed and the investigation advances. The case remains active, and prosecutors have not ruled out further charges related to the standoff or fire.
For now, the neighborhood is returning to normal as residents process a rare and disturbing sequence of events that unfolded over less than 24 hours.
