A Jersey City man has been charged with seven counts of attempted murder after allegedly holding his wife and her sister hostage and shooting at officers responding to the standoff Saturday afternoon.
According to reports, Henry A. Merette, 29, while armed forced his way into the Bergen Avenue apartment, where he tied up his wife and her sister. He then allegedly punched, slapped and kicked one of the victims in the head, face and body.
Sometime around 12:30 p.m. police responded to the scene for reports of a possible hostage situation.
Upon arrival, officers heard the suspect, later identified as Henry A. Merette, 29, yelling that he wanted to be killed by police.
Shortly after the Emergency Services Unit and a hostage negotiator arrival, Merette allegedly fired two rounds at officers from the apartment door.
Within an hour, officers gained access to the apartment, rescued the woman and arrested the armed suspect.
One of the two victims was transported to Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health for treatment.
Merette today was charged with seven counts of attempted murder, multiple weapons offenses related to a 9mm handgun, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and criminal restraint.
As a result of the seriousness of his charges, bail is expected to be set later in Superior Court.
Attempted murder carries a possible sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison upon conviction.