KEARNY, NJ — Police in Kearny said a 57-year-old man surrendered Thursday morning after officers responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on Webster Avenue, north of West Bennett Avenue.
The Kearny Police Department said the call came in around 9:15 a.m. and that another gunshot was heard as officers moved into position near the home. No one was injured.
Authorities identified the man as Thomas J. Romano, 57, of Kearny. Police said he surrendered after negotiations with officers.
How officers responded on Webster Avenue
According to police, officers quickly secured the block, set up a perimeter and began working to contain the situation. The response centered on the area near Webster Avenue and West Bennett Avenue, where residents were told to stay away while the scene was active.
Police said there was no active shooter and no threat to the general public. Even so, the department urged people to avoid Webster Avenue near West Bennett Avenue until the incident was over.
The late-morning police update said the perimeter was still in place while the investigation continued.
Thomas J. Romano surrendered after negotiations
Romano was the subject of an unrelated arrest warrant, police said. Authorities did not immediately say what led to the gunfire call or what charges, if any, he could face in connection with the morning incident.
What police did say was that Romano gave himself up after talks with officers. The surrender ended the immediate standoff at the residence and allowed the area to remain under controlled police watch.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and police continued to gather details afterward.
Hudson County SWAT assisted the Kearny Police Department
The Hudson County Regional SWAT Team was among the agencies that assisted with the response, adding specialized support as officers surrounded the residence and negotiated with Romano.
Police did not release additional details about the role the team played, but its presence underscored the caution taken at the scene. With gunfire reported and a suspect still inside, the response drew multiple law-enforcement resources.
By late morning, officials said the situation was contained, though the investigation remained active.
What neighbors were told during the morning response
Residents in the area were told to steer clear of Webster Avenue near West Bennett Avenue while police handled the situation. The advisory was aimed at keeping the public away from the perimeter and helping officers work without interruption.
Police repeated that there was no danger to the broader community, a distinction meant to reassure nearby residents even as the scene remained restricted. The department’s message suggested the major concern was the ongoing law-enforcement operation rather than an open threat.
As the morning went on, the investigation stayed active and the police perimeter remained in place.
What police had established by late morning
By the time of the department’s late-morning update, the key facts were unchanged: Romano had surrendered, no injuries had been reported and officers were still documenting what happened. Police did not announce a final conclusion or release further information about the initial gunfire complaint.
The case remained under investigation, with officers continuing to review the circumstances that brought them to the residence. For now, police said the immediate scene was secure and the broader public was not believed to be at risk.
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