Suspect in custody after standoff in Salem, New Jersey; no injuries reported

Wednesday, January 23, 2019
SALEM, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police say a wanted fugitive opened fire on law enforcement officers on Wednesday in Salem, New Jersey, leading to an hours-long standoff.

The suspect, 26-year-old Eric Smith, was taken into custody without any injuries to himself or police.

Eric Smith


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The incident began in the 100 block of East Broadway around 11:30 a.m.

Chief John Pelura of Salem City Police Department said the U.S. Marshals Task Force was trying to take Smith into custody.

Smith fired multiple rounds at task force members, Pelura said, and one task force member opened fire.



No one was hit.

Action Cam video of shooting scene in Salem, New Jersey

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A standoff ensued, with law enforcement establishing a perimeter while schools were placed on lockdown.

Negotiators established communication with Smith, who was taken into custody around 3 p.m.

Smith was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court.

Witnesses describe gunfire, standoff in Salem


The incident happened near county buildings, including the courthouse.



Some 10 to 12 people could be seen coming out of the courthouse under police escort. They were in a single line and holding hands.
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William Lindsey of Camden was near the scene at the time. He reports hearing four to five shots.

"We just heard shooting, then we saw a whole bunch of cops," he said.

Chopper 6 over scene of shooting, standoff in Salem, N.J.


Jury members who were trapped inside the building are thankful they can go home safely to their families.



"Some people did hear shots fired, I actually didn't hear them. Then they told us we had to close all of the blinds," said Sandy McKee. "A little scary.'

The suspect's aunt, Rebecca Holmes, said this kind of violence is out of character for her nephew.

"This is not Eric," she said. "This is just shocking to me. I'm just thanking God he's okay."

Aunt of Salem standoff suspect: "This is shocking"


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