SHARE

Tragedy Avoided: Suicidal Gunman Surrenders To Hackensack Police

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Hackensack police avoided tragedy Wednesday by convincing a suicidal gunman to surrender, authorities said.

Hackensack PD

Hackensack PD

Photo Credit: COURTESY: HPD

Officers found the man seated on a couch, his hands behind his back, when they responded to a 4 a.m. call from the man's brother, who said he'd seen the gun on a coffee table, said Capt. Francesco Aquila, the officer in charge of the department.

"At first, the subject was uncooperative, refusing to show both of his hands after repeated commands to do so," Aquila said.

"At one point the subject removed his right hand from behind the pillow and one officer drew his Taser," the captain said. "The subject then again placed his hand behind the pillow."

Sgt Jason Klosk and Officers Frank Competello Jr, Luis Furcal, Evelyn Reyes and Daniel Francavilla remained calm and steady, he said.

"After several minutes of dialogue, the subject complied with the officers’ commands, displayed both hands and surrendered," Aquila said.

The officers took him in to custody and found a .38-caliber revolver, loaded with one round, where he'd been sitting, the captain said.

He was brought to Bergen Regional Medical Center for an evaluation.

The officers "showed great restraint and professionalism in their response to a situation that could have ended in tragedy," Aquila said.

to follow Daily Voice Northern Valley and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE