34-Hour SWAT Standoff Ends With Gunshots, Arrest In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Bridgewater man was arrested following a 34-hour SWAT standoff at his home, where three shots were fired, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

On Thursday at 7:44 p.m., Bridgewater Police got a 911 call about Eric J. Thorogood, 25, of Bridgewater, and went to a home on Hill Lane to try to contact him.

Bridgewater Police were told that Thorogood was armed with two firearms. After trying multiple times to make contact with Thorogood, Bridgewater Police asked the Somerset County SWAT team for help.

At around 10 p.m., the Somerset County SWAT team, the Crisis-Negotiations Team, and SWAT Tactical Medics responded at the request of Bridgewater Police.

The Crisis-Negotiators tried to contact Thorogood.

For the next 34 hours that followed, Thorogood continued to refuse police commands to put down his firearms or to exit the home.

Bridgewater Police Officers helped in evacuating homes in the area as the SWAT Team and Crisis-Negotiators continued to try to peacefully resolve the matter.

On Saturday at around 6 a.m., members of the Somerset County SWAT team were get inside the home and find Thorogood in possession of a rifle and pistol.

Somerset County SWAT team members successfully gained control of Thorogood, who fired three shots during his arrest, striking himself in the leg.

Police did not fire any shots during the arrest, and no law enforcement officers were hit by gunfire or sustained serious
injuries.

SWAT team members immediately rendered medical aid to Thorogood, who was taken to an area hospital for further medical treatment for his injuries.

Thorogood was charged with second-degree possession of a
firearm for an unlawful purpose, third-degree possession of a firearm without a serial number, third- degree endangering another, fourth-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity ammunition magazine.

Upon discharge from the hospital, Thorogood will be
taken and lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter.

McDonald thanked members of the following agencies for the help and dedication they provided to successfully resolve this matter: Bridgewater Police Department, Middlesex County SWAT team, Somerset County Communications, North Branch Fire Department, Green Knoll Fire Department, Bradley Gardens Rescue Squad, Martinsville Rescue Squad, Bound
Brook EMS, Somerville EMS, Peapack EMS and Grace Community Church.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Bridgewater Police Department at (908) 725-4111 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports, and tips will be kept confidential.

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