Couple Assaulted in Armed Home Invasion in Franklin Twp., NJ: Police

An armed home invasion in Gloucester County Saturday morning ended with a suspect surrendering to a SWAT team after a brief stand off with police.

South Jersey Armed Home Invasion

The Franklin Township Police Department says the scene unfolded just before 9 AM on the 800 block of Little Mill Road.

Authorities say an investigation revealed that the suspect in this case, 53-year-old Shawn Huntsinger, tried entering a home by kicking in a door.

A male homeowner attempted to stop him from enterting but was unsuccessful.

Once inside, Huntsinger, who was allegedly armed with a metal pipe, "assaulted the male and a female who was home at the time before fleeing the residence."

The male victim sustained minor injuries during the incident.

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Gloucester County SWAT Team Called

Franklin Township police officers were able to quickly identify Huntsinger, of Violet Street in Franklinville, as a suspect and they surrounded his home, but he would not surrender.

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The Gloucester County SWAT Team was then called to the scene to handle what had become a criminal barricade situation.

SWAT officers were able to take Huntsinger into custody at around 11:40 AM.

Charges Filed

Huntsinger is facing the following charges:

• Armed Burglary (1st degree)
• Terroristic Threats (3rd degree)
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (3rd degree)
• Criminal Mischief (4th degree)
• Simple Assault (Disorderly Persons offense)

He is being held at the Salem County Jail pending initial court proceedings.

Police did not indicate the motive behind the home invasion nor if it was a random event.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.