Fla. man charged in NJ police standoff

 

The Associated Press

A Florida man who authorities say broke into his ex-girlfriend's New Jersey home and threatened her was charged Thursday after a lengthy standoff with police.

The Essex County prosecutor's office charged Anthony Vocaturo of Fort Meyers with attempted murder, aggravated assault, criminal restraint, burglary and weapons charges.

It wasn't immediately clear if he had retained a lawyer.

Prosecutors say the 51-year-old broke into his ex-girlfriend's condo in the northern New Jersey suburb of Roseland and threatened her life.

The woman and her 16-year-old son managed to flee the home unharmed and police negotiators spoke to the man for several hours on the phone.

Vocaturo shot at police during a lengthy standoff that began around 9:50 p.m. Wednesday and ended with his surrender at 3 a.m. Thursday, authorities said.

Officers returning fire grazed the suspect, who was treated at a hospital and released.

Neighbors in the area around the condo who had been evacuated during the standoff were allowed to return to their homes Thursday.

Bail has been set at $500,000.

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