NJ: FL MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER HOURS-LONG RV STANDOFF
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LUMBERTON, New Jersey (WPVI) — A Florida man was taken into custody Tuesday after a 16-hour standoff in an RV parked at a Walmart on Route 38 in Lumberton, according to police.
Authorities identified the suspect as Blake Reed, 38, of Florida. He is charged with robbery and weapons offenses. Police said they received information that Reed might have had a flamethrower inside the RV.
The incident began around 11 p.m. Monday following a dispute in the Walmart parking lot, police said.
After attempting for about 16 hours to get Reed to surrender, officers entered the RV with pepper spray at approximately 3:15 p.m. and removed him from the camper. Reed was placed in an ambulance and taken to a hospital.
During the standoff, law enforcement used drones, K-9 units, robots and a battering ram in efforts to persuade Reed to leave the vehicle. By mid-afternoon, authorities began dismantling the RV with an armored vehicle.
Police diverted customers away from the area of the parking lot where the operation was underway.
Loved ones who remained at the scene throughout the day said Reed had been experiencing what they described as a mental health crisis. They said he lived in the RV and traveled around the country performing at state and community fairs.
“He’s a wonderful guy; he just had a break. And he’s going to be fine. And I’m so happy that we happened to be here,” family friend Kay said.
Kay also said, “I heard he hit his head really bad yesterday and it could’ve caused a concussion. We don’t know.”
Later, she added, “So grateful. So grateful to God that he’s okay.”
According to police, Reed suffered minor injuries during the incident. No officers were injured.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Walmart had not reopened.
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