The Hudson County Regional SWAT Unit negotiated the peaceful surrender of a Union City woman who barricaded herself in an apartment with three small children and four other adults.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Union City Police and the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team responded to 1901 West Street in Union City early this morning for a disturbance and a barricaded subject with three small children and four adults in the apartment,” the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office tweeted a half hour ago.
“County crisis negotiators and SWAT team members spent approximately 4 hours negotiating with the female, who peacefully surrendered at approximately 11:30 a.m. and was taken into custody. More info to follow.”
On Monday at 12:46 p.m., Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez provided more information.
Yesterday, just after 4 a.m., Union City police responded to 1901 West St. on reports of a verbal dispute.
Officers attempted to gain access to the apartment to ascertain that all parties inside were safe, however, a female occupant became irate and would not allow officers to enter.
Union City Emergency Services Unit officers and the Hudson County Regional SWAT responded to the scene and with their crisis and hostage negotiators were able to make contact with the suspect.
At approximately 12 p.m., the officers safely and peacefully negotiated her surrender and the safe release of all occupants in the apartment – including three children
ages six, seven and nine.
There were no injuries during the operation to civilians or law enforcement.
The woman, Sonia Alvarez, 59, of Union City, was charged by the Union City Police
Department with obstruction, a disorderly persons offense.
Additionally, Suarez credited the Hudson County Regional SWAT and the Union City Police
Department ESU and patrol units for safely de-escalating the situation and leading to a peaceful resolution.
“Yesterday’s response by Hudson County SWAT and the Union City Police Department was yet another excellent example of officers utilizing their training and resources to peacefully and safely de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation,” Suarez said in a statement.
“Instead of using weapons and force, the officers were able to use words and trained tactics to safely end a crisis situation without any injuries.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated with new information.
