Hampton Inn Hotel, Harrison, NJ
On May 19, 2024, Sgt. Pearson, Detective Lecca and Officer Delgado responded to the Hampton Inn Hotel regarding a patron refusing to leave his room. Hotel management informed the police that prior to their arrival they attempted to communicate with the patron, but he refused to respond, and management reported hearing sounds resembling that of a firearm being loaded. Despite multiple attempts, police were unable to establish contact with the individual, who was heard making grunting noises from inside the room. The situation escalated when officers heard what they believed was the sound of a firearm being racked. The Harrison Police Department Emergency Response Team secured a perimeter and cleared the rooms in the area of the suspect's room. The Hudson County Regional SWAT Team also arrived and provided additional assistance. Numerous resources were deployed to assist with pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area which was shut down for safety. Transportation was also provided to accommodate guests of the hotel that were temporarily displaced. After nearly eight hours of negotiation, drone operators observed the individual convulsing on the floor of his hotel room. HCRST forced entry into the room and successfully apprehended the individual and provided medical assistance. The individual was identified as Joseph Rego, 51 of Toms River. He was subsequently transported to Jersey City Medical Center for a medical evaluation. A search warrant of the hotel room yielded negative results and the actor was charged accordingly. All law enforcement officers involved should be commended for their ability to maintain the safety of the residents of Harrison their top priority.
