MAPLEWOOD, NJ — On Monday, Aug. 19, at approximately 3:13 a.m., the Maplewood Police Department received a frantic 9-1-1 call from a female who reported that someone had gained entry to her home on Lombardy Place and assaulted her fiance, according to a press release from the department.
The victim reported that two males dressed all in black, wearing masks and armed with handguns had threatened her and her fiance at gunpoint while demanding money. The male victim was able to take control over one of the handguns and reportedly shot off a round at the suspects, who then fled out the rear door of the residence. According to police, this information has yet to be confirmed.
The perpetrators fled through the rear of the property into the yards off Burnett Avenue. It is unknown if either suspect has sustained a gunshot wound at this time; all area hospitals have been advised to be on alert.
Officers responded to the scene and determined that entry had been gained through a bathroom window in the rear of the residence. A vehicle believed to be driven by the perpetrators bearing fictitious N.J. license plates was located in a nearby parking lot and was towed back to police headquarters for further investigation.
The Union Police Department and Union County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Unit responded to the scene and assisted in searching the area for the perpetrators.
It is currently undetermined if any proceeds were taken from the residence. The male victim was evaluated by emergency medical services on scene, but refused further medical attention. Detectives responded to the scene and the investigation continues.
Officers continue to canvass the area for witnesses, potential video and additional evidence.
According to police, this incident appears to have been targeted toward the victims at the address and there is no reason to believe the public is in any further danger.
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