A man, who was reported to be suicidal and armed with a machete, was arrested following a stand-off with Galloway Township Police that lasted over three hours Tuesday.

Authorities say they responded to the 300 block of East Ridgewood Ave. around 11:00 Tuesday morning where they encountered 29-year-old Michael Piperato armed with a machete. A press release states Piperato began to walk away from officers and in and out of a wooded area, and then in and out of several neighboring yards as cops started to negotiate with him. Eventually, Piperato returned homes where it became a stand-off situation.

The Atlantic County SWAT Team was activated and active negotiations continued with Piperato. Galloway Township officers and negotiators, along with officers from multiple agencies, including the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic County SWAT team, the Atlantic City SWAT Team, as well as officers from the Egg Harbor Township Police, the Pleasantville Police and a K-9 Officer from Ventnor City Police were able to contain the incident to that location. All civilians were immediately cleared from the area and a Swift Reach notification was sent out, advising residents to shelter in place and remain inside of their residences. Local schools were also advised to go into a shelter in place protocol.

After a three and a half hour standoff, Piperato was taken into custody and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Terroristic Threats, and Obstruction of Justice. He was taken to Atlanticare Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus, for evaluation.

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM