Updated: May 11
By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | May 10, 2026
On a quiet neighborhood lane in Bridgewater, a 25-year-old man allegedly in possession of an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle with magnified optics, was involved in 34-hour standoff with the Somerset County SWAT team, according to police and county dispatch reports. Police initially responded to a 911 call at 9 pm on Thursday at 7:45 pm.
The SWAT team eventually forced entry into the Hill Lane home on Saturday at 6 am, after long hours of attempting to contact and negotiate with the suspect, Eric J. Thorogood, 25, who was in possession of a rifle and a pistol. Police said Thorogood fired three shots during his arrest, striking himself in the leg. No shots were fired by law enforcement officers during the incident, and no law enforcement officers were struck by gunfire or sustained serious injuries.
SWAT team members immediately rendered medical aid to Thorogood, who was transported to an area hospital for further medical treatment for his injuries.
Thorogood was charged with 2nd degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose; 3rd degree Possession of a Firearm without a serial number; 3rd degree Endangering Another; 4th degree Aggravated Assault; and 4th degree, Possession of a High-Capacity Ammunition Magazine. Upon discharge from the hospital, defendant Thorogood will be transported and lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John B. Mitzak said in a press release that Bridgewater Police Officers responded to a residence on Hill Lane and attempted to contact Thorogood. Bridgewater Police Officers were advised that Thorogood was armed with two firearms. After several unsuccessful attempts to make contact with Thorogood, Bridgewater Police requested assistance from the Somerset County SWAT team.
ProsecutorMcDonald stated that at 10 pm, the Somerset County SWAT team, the Crisis-Negotiations Team, and SWAT Tactical Medics responded at the request of Bridgewater Police. Upon arrival, Crisis-Negotiators attempted to contact Thorogood. For the next 34 hours that followed. Thorogood continued to refuse police commands to put down his firearms or to exit the residence. Bridgewater police officers assisted in evacuating residences in the area as the SWAT Team and Crisis-Negotiators continued to attempt to peacefully resolve the matter.
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On Saturday, May 9, detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. A Superior Court search warrant was obtained for the residence.
Prosecutor McDonald thanks the following agencies for the assistance and dedication they provided to successfully resolve this matter: Bridgewater Police Department, Middlesex County SWAT team, Somerset County Communications, North Branch Fire Department, Green Knoll Fire Department, Bradley Gardens Rescue Squad, Martinsville Rescue Squad, Bound Brook EMS, Somerville EMS, Peapack EMS and Grace Community Church.
Prosecutor McDonald, Acting Chief McKay, and Chief Mitzak request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908.231.7100 or the Bridgewater Police Department at 908.725.4111 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 888.577.TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports, and tips will be kept confidential.
This information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.
