N.J. Detective Kills Self During SWAT Standoff

May 4, 2016
Detective Sergio Mella, with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, killed himself Tuesday evening during a standoff with a SWAT team.

A detective with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey killed himself Tuesday evening during a standoff with a SWAT team.

Woodland police officers were the first to respond to the home on Grandview Drive belonging to Detective Sergio Mella around 4 p.m. after being told he was in distress, according to NorthJersey.com.

The Passaic County SWAT were called in and attempted to negotiate with Mella, but were unsuccessful and forced their way into the home around 6 p.m.

"Upon entering the residence, Detective Mella was found with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound from his service weapon," Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said in a statement.

No one else was injured in the incident, which remains under investigation.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Mella family," Valdes said. "We thank you for your prayers and support as we work through the shock of this loss."

Mella served with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office since 2007.

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