Jersey Shore Man with Axe Barricades Himself in Shed, Assaults Police

Jersey Shore Man with Axe Barricades Himself
in Shed, Assaults Police

After a confrontation that lasted several hours, Middle Township Police said an ax-wielding man was arrested and charged with many felonies, including three counts of attempted murder.

Following allegations of a man "acting erratically and violently" toward family members while brandishing an ax, Middle Township police were called to a residence on West Shellbay Avenue in the Cape May Court House neighborhood of town on August 22 at approximately 6:22 p.m., according to the police.

Officers reported that when they got there, they discovered that Stewart Allay, 34, had taken the ax into a two-story shed on the property. Allay briefly engaged with officers after they set up a perimeter and made an initial contact attempt, but he declined to speak with them further.

At the time, Allay had an active arrest warrant, according to the police.

Despite their best efforts, the Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team was unable to get back in touch. The Cape May County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was called in and took command of the scene because of the rapidly developing scenario.

The SWAT team finally made their way into the shed after hours of trying to negotiate. According to police, Allay attacked two officers, swung the ax at many SWAT operators, and actively fought arrest during the entry. After being placed under arrest, he was admitted to the hospital for a medical examination.

Upon his hospital release, Allay was charged with the following:

Three counts of attempted murder
Two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
One count of hindering apprehension and obstruction
One count of resisting arrest
Two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
Two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon

The Cape May County Correctional Facility is where Allay currently resides.