Knife-Wielding Man Has Stand-Off With Summit Police

Police say John D. Edwards, 30, of Elizabeth held a knife to a Summit woman's throat and demanded money in broad daylight this morning. He allegedly reached into her purse and stole $25, then ran off. The alleged incident occurred while the 24-year-old woman was walking with her mother along Morris Avenue near around 10:30 a.m.

According to a police press release the alleged robber was confronted by Officer Elizabeth Rice near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Maple Street, moments after the victim, who lives near the hospital, called the Summit police from home. 

What police say happened next was a standoff between three officers and Edwards, who they say wouldn't drop his knife. When Rice confronted Edwards and told him to drop his weapon he refused, according to police.

"He held the knife up and started walking toward her," said Lt. Steven Zagorski. "It could've been a bad situation," he said. Zagorski said that Det. Christopher Medina and Officer John Padilla arrived at the scene after Rice and found her with her gun raised and pointed at Edwards.

Police set up a perimeter near the intersection to cover each other and prevent Edward's escape. The stand-off lasted "about a minute or two", according to Zagorski before Edward's allegedly surrendered and was taken into custody. "The officers receive extensive training, and brought this under control real quick," said Zagorski.

None of the officers were harmed and the victim didn't require any medical attention, according to police. 

A list of the charges against Edwards includes third degree posession of a weapn for an unlawful purpose and fourth degree possession of weapon. He is being held in Union County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Police are still investigating the incident and say they believe the suspect acted alone.