Man taken into custody after search for reportedly armed individual in Newton, police say
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — A man was taken into custody Friday following a search in Newton after police received a report that an individual was possibly armed and had threatened another person, according to the Newton Police Department.
Police said officers received the report on Aug. 28 and immediately responded to the area but were unable to locate the individual during their initial response.
Because of the nature of the report, police began a search and requested assistance from surrounding law enforcement agencies.
During the search, Newton police issued a public safety alert identifying the person being sought as James “Mac” Alston. The alert said there were reports that he was armed and dangerous and that he had last been seen in the Merriam Avenue and Sparta Avenue area.
Police advised residents not to approach or contact him and asked anyone who saw him or knew his whereabouts to call 911 immediately.
The man was ultimately located in the area of Pine Street and Woodside Avenue and taken into custody without further incident, police said.
Police said there is no current or active threat to the public.
Charges related to the incident are pending. Police said no additional information is being released at this time because of the nature and circumstances of the investigation.
Although identifying information was released during the active search because of the need to locate the individual, police said they are not identifying any involved parties in their subsequent release in an effort to protect the victim’s privacy.
The Newton Police Department thanked the Andover Township Police Department, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Byram Township Police Department, Sparta Township Police Department, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Newton First Aid Squad, Atlantic Health and others who assisted.
Police also thanked Thorlabs for its cooperation and assistance during the investigation, which the department said helped bring the incident to a safe resolution.
