10-20-2023 10:12am

Morristown Lawyer Aids in Peaceful Resolution of Tense Standoff Involving Bomb Scare

Attorney David Gray assists law enforcement in de-escalating a potentially explosive situation on Hillairy Avenue.

Morristown, NJ—Local attorney David Gray had anticipated an ordinary Wednesday. But a series of text messages at 9 a.m. thrust him into the center of a life-and-death situation involving a distressed individual and a potential explosive device, culminating in an intense police standoff on Hillairy Avenue.

The Sequence of Events

Gray received text messages from a longtime client and friend who threatened self-harm. Upon receiving these alarming texts, Gray immediately contacted the Morristown police.

Responding to the individual's residence, officers "were informed that there was a potential explosive device in the building," said Meghan Knab, spokesperson for Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll. The authorities swiftly vacated the premises and called for backup.

The situation escalated quickly, with bomb trucks, K-9 units, and SWAT teams descending on the quiet residential street. Armored vehicles were positioned, and drones hovered above as rifle-toting officers took strategic positions.

Gray, a Seton Hall Law School graduate, became an essential player, helping a law enforcement negotiator persuade the man to surrender peacefully.

"It was very intense. I was worried it could go in a bad direction at any time," Gray recounted.

The individual finally surrendered around 4:30 p.m. Authorities later confirmed that no explosives were found in the residence. Nevertheless, Gray emphasized that there was "a clear risk to the authorities" throughout the event. He credited the training and professionalism of the law enforcement agencies involved for the peaceful outcome.

Among the agencies responding were the Prosecutor’s Crisis Negotiation Team; the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, Emergency Response Team and Bomb Squad; Morris County Law & Public Safety, and Morristown’s police and fire bureaus.

"It was all about the partnerships we have… It worked out real well," said Morris Sheriff James Gannon, who was at the scene all day. For Hillairy Avenue residents, the standoff marked the most significant event since a fire destroyed a parsonage a year ago.

Following the event, the distressed individual was taken to Morristown Medical Center for evaluation. Gray, respecting attorney-client privilege, did not disclose further details about the man but did speculate that lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to his "difficult state of mind."

David Gray returned to his legal duties by nightfall, reflecting on the day's events as "just another day at the office."

As the community continues to process the incident, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and complex challenges that both law enforcement agencies and community members may face, and the crucial role of preparedness and community support in resolving such crises.