Ax-Wielding Jersey Shore Man Barricades Self In Shed, Attacks Officers: Police

MIDDLE TWP., NJ — An ax-wielding man was taken into custody and charged with a number of offenses, including three counts of attempted murder, following a several hour-long standoff, Middle Township police said.

On Aug. 22 at about 6:22 p.m., Middle Township police were dispatched to a West Shellbay Avenue home in the Cape May Court House section of town following reports of a man "acting erratically and aggressively" towards family members while holding an ax, police said.

When officers arrived they were told the man, 34-year-old Stewart Allay, had entered a two-story shed on the property with the ax, police said. Officers established a perimeter and attempted initial contact with Allay, who engaged briefly but refused further conversation.

Police said they also learned Allay had an active warrant for his arrest at the time.

The Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team responded to assist but was unable to reestablish contact. Due to the escalating nature of the situation, the Cape May County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was deployed and assumed control of the scene.

After several hours of attempted negotiation, the SWAT team entered the shed. During the entry, Allay allegedly swung the ax at multiple SWAT operators, assaulted two officers and actively resisted arrest, police said. He was taken into custody and then hospitalized for medical evaluation.

Upon his hospital release, Allay was charged with the following:

• Three counts of attempted murder
• Two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
• One count of hindering apprehension and obstruction
• One count of resisting arrest
• Two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon

Allay now sits in the Cape May County Correctional Facility.