Kearny, NJ – A shocking and bizarre incident unfolded in Kearny, New Jersey on Saturday evening, when a man was allegedly killed with a bow and arrow, leading to a dramatic police standoff at a nearby home that erupted in flames overnight, authorities confirmed.
Bow and Arrow Homicide Shocks Community
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, officers responded to a report of a wounded man at an intersection who appeared to have been struck by a pointed object. The victim, later identified by family members as Pablo Criollo of Harrison, NJ, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that the injuries were inflicted by a bow and arrow, a method of homicide extremely rare in modern criminal cases.
The circumstances surrounding Criollo’s death, including a possible motive, remain under investigation.
Suspect Barricades Himself Inside Home
Following the killing, authorities quickly identified a person of interest, but the suspect had barricaded himself inside a two-story home on Kearny Avenue.
Neighbors were instructed to shelter in place as a regional SWAT team arrived and began negotiating with the suspect. The tense standoff lasted through the night into the following morning, creating a climate of fear for the surrounding community.
House Fire Erupts During Standoff
At approximately 5 a.m. Sunday, a fire broke out inside the home where the suspect had barricaded himself, forcing nearby residents to evacuate immediately. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which was extinguished by Sunday afternoon.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
By 1 p.m., the suspect emerged from the burning home, reportedly armed with knives and wearing a red bandanna, black jacket, and covered in soot, according to WABC.
Law enforcement officers and SWAT team members arrested the individual without further incident, taking him into custody. Authorities stated that he is expected to face charges on Monday, although his identity has not yet been released.
Ongoing Investigation
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation into Criollo’s death, the suspect’s actions, and any potential motive behind the attack. Authorities emphasized the unusual nature of the homicide, noting that bow-and-arrow killings are extremely rare and have raised serious safety concerns within the community.
Neighbors described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with multiple emergency responders on site and residents forced to evacuate or remain in their homes until the standoff concluded safely.
What are your thoughts on this rare and disturbing homicide? Do you believe police responses to barricade situations like this are sufficient to protect the public? Share your opinions, reactions, and safety tips in the comments below.
