POINT PLEASANT – A Point Pleasant man who was sought by Howell Township Police was arrested after an hours-long standoff, police said.
Nicholas Soukas was arrested on May 9 at a home on River Avenue in Point Pleasant. The Point Pleasant Police Department and the Howell Township Police Department arrived at the home to arrest Soukas however he barricaded himself inside. Police also said Soukas was armed with a knife.
Initial efforts to communicate with Soukas were limited to speaking to him from outside the home. Additional officers were dispatched and traffic was temporarily detoured, police said
Authorities tried negotiating with Soukas to surrender peacefully and relinquish the weapon. After several hours of unsuccessful negotiation, SWAT officers used an “explosive breaching device” to enter the home.
Soukas was still armed and authorities used a Taser to ultimately place him into custody. Soukas was brought to a nearby hospital for evaluation and was then transferred to the Howell Police Department.
Police have not provided details as to what led to Soukas’ arrest, and any charges against him are not immediately available.
The Point Pleasant Police Department would like to thank their residents for their patience and cooperation during this prolonged incident.
“We understand the disruption caused by loud announcements and explosive breaching devices during the late night and early morning hours, and we appreciate the community’s understanding as officers worked to bring the situation to a safe resolution,” police said.
Chief Leonhardt extends his sincere gratitude to the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and the Howell Township Police Department for their critical assistance during this incident.
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