A weekend standoff in Kearny ended in tragedy and arson charges. Authorities say a man fatally shot his neighbor with an arrow, then barricaded himself inside a burning apartment.
The incident unfolded just across the county line from Jersey City. Residents in Hudson County are feeling rattled, and it’s sparked new questions about mental health, weapons access, and how fast a quiet block can turn chaotic.
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Hudson County Police Respond to a Disturbing Call
Law enforcement officials say the chain of events started early Saturday evening. Families were just settling in for the night.
Around 5:45 p.m., police got a call about a man who’d been severely injured near Kearny and Johnson avenues. Officers arrived and found 45-year-old Pablo Criollo of Harrison with a wound from a “pointed object.”
Despite their efforts, Criollo died right there at the scene. Later, authorities revealed an arrow had caused the fatal injury—a detail that left neighbors stunned. Bow-and-arrow attacks aren’t exactly common around here.
Victim Identified, Suspect Quickly Emerges
Investigators wasted no time. Within hours, they zeroed in on 44-year-old Oscar Feijoo of Kearny as a person of interest.
The two men lived in the same community, and Feijoo’s home was close to where Criollo was found. As the news spread, neighbors watched their usually quiet corner fill up with police and tactical units.
Streets closed off, lights flashed through windows, and residents got told to stay inside. The atmosphere was tense, to say the least.
A Barricaded Suspect and an Apartment in Flames
After the attack, police say Feijoo retreated to his apartment on Kearny Avenue and barricaded himself inside. That kicked off a tense overnight standoff.
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Heavily armed officers and specialized units swarmed the area. The Hudson County SWAT Team led negotiations that stretched into the early morning.
Their goal was to get Feijoo to surrender peacefully and keep everyone safe. The situation felt unpredictable.
Fires Break Out During the Standoff
While negotiators worked, things got worse. Several fires broke out inside Feijoo’s apartment, adding another layer of danger.
Firefighters had to move in alongside law enforcement to contain the blaze before it could spread. Once crews put out the flames, Feijoo finally came out.
Authorities say he emerged armed with knives. Officers took him into custody right away, and no one else got hurt.
Charges Filed: Murder, Weapons, and Arson
Prosecutors charged Feijoo with murder, weapons possession, and aggravated arson. The events escalated quickly from a single violent act to a full-blown public safety emergency.
During the standoff, officials ordered nearby residents to shelter in place. That lasted well into the night, only ending once Feijoo was in custody and the building was safe.
Impact on the Community and Regional Concerns
The emotional toll on local families hit immediately. Neighbors are dealing with the loss of Criollo, the shock of an arrow attack, and the fear that comes with seeing their street become a crime scene.
For many in Hudson County, it’s a reminder that even close-knit neighborhoods aren’t immune to sudden violence. In nearby spots like Jersey City, folks are talking about the need for coordinated emergency responses and better mental health resources.
What This Means for Hudson County Residents and Visitors
Hudson County’s dense urban fabric means events in one town ripple across city lines. People commute, shop, and eat in Kearny but might live or work in Jersey City, so public safety really is a shared responsibility across our city districts.
Visitors planning trips to the area—maybe checking out Jersey City hotels along the waterfront or downtown—should know that while incidents like this are rare, local agencies train hard for these emergencies. Still, it’s hard not to feel a little uneasy when something like this happens so close to home.
Connecting Safety, Travel, and Daily Life in Jersey City
Maybe you’re figuring out where to stay in Jersey City. Or maybe you’re just trying to map out the best route for getting to Jersey City.
Planning a weekend itinerary of things to do in Jersey City? It’s worth remembering—this is a region where police, fire, and emergency teams don’t just stick to one town.
They work together, moving across town lines. The quick response in Kearny? That’s the same kind of teamwork that keeps Jersey City residents and visitors safe when things get chaotic.
As the details keep coming out about Pablo Criollo’s killing and the charges against Oscar Feijoo, it hits home: what happens in a neighboring town isn’t ever really far away.
For folks in Jersey City, it pays to stay informed and engaged—maybe even a little on your toes. That’s how the city keeps its energy and sense of safety, right along the Hudson.
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Here is the source article for this story: Bow-And-Arrow Killing Ends With Overnight Standoff In Burning NJ Home
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