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Man threatens landscaper with handgun, triggering SWAT response

The Berkeley Heights incident also prompted a shelter-in-place at a nearby school.

Toniann Antonelli

May 5, 2026, 6:02 AM

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A Berkeley Heights man is facing possible charges after police say he threatened a landscaper with a handgun Monday morning.

According to police, officers responded to Wren Court around 11:14 a.m. after receiving a report of a man who brandished a handgun at a landscaper. When police arrived, they learned that the suspect allegedly chambered a round and shouted statements toward the victim before retreating back into his residence. When police attempted to make contact, the suspect refused to come out of his home, prompting a larger law enforcement response, including the Union County SWAT team.

In addition, police coordinated with nearby Woodruff School to ensure that none of the students or staff exited the building during the incident.

Police said after a brief standoff, the resident, identified as Angel Alvarado, was taken into custody. Criminal charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

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