Community
Middle Township Police Respond to Armed Barricade Incident; Suspect in Custody
Middle Township Police Respond to Armed Barricade Incident; Suspect in Custody 
Middle Township, NJ — On Friday, August 22, 2025, at approximately 6:22 p.m., officers from the Middle Township Police Department were dispatched to a residence on West Shellbay Avenue in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township following reports of a male subject acting erratically and aggressively toward family members while in possession of an axe.
Upon arrival, officers were informed that the individual, identified as Stewart Allay, 34 years old, had entered a two-story shed on the property with the weapon. Officers established a secure perimeter and attempted initial contact with Allay, who briefly engaged before disengaging and refusing further communication.
It was also confirmed that Allay had an active warrant for his arrest at the time of the incident.
The Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team responded to assist but was unable to reestablish contact. Due to the escalating nature of the situation, the Cape May County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was deployed and assumed control of the scene.
After several hours of attempted negotiation, the SWAT Team made entry into the two-story shed. During the entry, Allay allegedly swung the axe at multiple SWAT operators, assaulted two officers, and actively resisted arrest. He was taken into custody and transported to Cooper Cape Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation.
Following his release from the hospital, Allay was formally charged with the following offenses:
The Middle Township Police Department would like to thank the Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team and SWAT Team for their coordinated response and professionalism throughout the incident.
Please note: All charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Upon arrival, officers were informed that the individual, identified as Stewart Allay, 34 years old, had entered a two-story shed on the property with the weapon. Officers established a secure perimeter and attempted initial contact with Allay, who briefly engaged before disengaging and refusing further communication.
It was also confirmed that Allay had an active warrant for his arrest at the time of the incident.
The Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team responded to assist but was unable to reestablish contact. Due to the escalating nature of the situation, the Cape May County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was deployed and assumed control of the scene.
After several hours of attempted negotiation, the SWAT Team made entry into the two-story shed. During the entry, Allay allegedly swung the axe at multiple SWAT operators, assaulted two officers, and actively resisted arrest. He was taken into custody and transported to Cooper Cape Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation.
Following his release from the hospital, Allay was formally charged with the following offenses:
- Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
- Two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
- One (1) count of Hindering Apprehension and Obstruction
- One (1) count of Resisting Arrest
- Two (2) counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose
- Two (2) counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
The Middle Township Police Department would like to thank the Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team and SWAT Team for their coordinated response and professionalism throughout the incident.
Please note: All charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Address/Location
Middle Township PD
31 Mechanic St
Cape May County, NJ 08210
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 609-465-8700