Christmas Night Standoff Ends With Mays Landing Man in Custody

MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A Christmas night domestic violence call in Hamilton Township escalated into a barricade situation and gunfire, ending with a Mays Landing man in custody and no reported injuries, according to police.

Authorities say officers responded to the 500 block of North Street at approximately 9:16 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, after a victim reported her husband was armed with a knife and a handgun. Police said the handgun had been fired before officers arrived, and the victim was able to leave the home unharmed.

When officers arrived, police said they established a perimeter and attempted to make contact with the man inside. According to police, he refused to comply and fired the handgun again — this time in the direction of law enforcement personnel. No officers were injured, police said.

The standoff ended when the man was taken into custody without further incident.

Suspect identified; charges announced

Police identified the suspect as Stephen Pofi, 69, of Mays Landing.

Authorities said Pofi was charged with:

• Attempted murder
• Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Aggravated assault with a firearm
• Obstruction
• Harassment
• Resisting arrest

Police said he was expected to be lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility following medical clearance.

As in all criminal cases, the charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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