Domestic Dispute Likely Sparked Dog-Killing Man's Rage, Police Chief Says

A 49-year-old Fanwood man who killed two dogs on his front lawn during an apparent domestic dispute and opened fire on police, sparking a nearly eight-hour standoff with authorities this weekend at his Locust Avenue home, was formally charged Monday, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

John Antonucci has been charged with 20 counts of aggravated assault by pointing a firearm in the direction of another person (four counts for each of five police officers), three counts of resisting arrest, and three counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to the prosecutor's office.

He is being held on $500,000 bail at the Union County Jail with no cash option. He has not posted bail and is still in custody, according to the prosecutor's office. 

No one was seriously injured and no one else was inside the home during the standoff, the prosecutor's office said.

Fanwood Police Chief Richard Trigo said police are still investigating what caused Antonucci to become so upset, but said it appeared to be a domestic dispute. He also confirmed Antonucci was asking for "Gina D.," a friend not involved in the dispute. 

Antonucci killed two dogs, according to Trigo. Trigo said Antonucci brought the dogs outside and shot them. Trigo said the dogs belonged to the person involved in the dispute.

Trigo said more charges are expected, stemming from the dog killings and the original incident that began the dispute.

According to the prosecutor's office, Fanwood police responded to a Locust Avenue home for a report of shots being fired shortly after 11 p.m. Friday. When officers arrived, Antonucci was seen through a window brandishing a weapon and was yelling at police, the prosecutor's office said.

Antonucci then fired shots from a rifle at officers, who returned fire just before midnight, the prosecutor's office said. Service on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line was suspended for seven hours during the standoff after Antonucci allegedly fired shots in the direction of the train tracks, according to NJ.com.

Authorities negotiated with Antonucci through the night before finally incapacitating him with a flash bang as he was pacing on a back deck of his home, according to Trigo. 

Ten rounds of ammunition were exchanged in total and Antonucci was taken into custody at about 7 a.m. Saturday, the prosecutor's office said.

One of Antonucci's friends told Patch his friends and family are stunned by the exchange, which she calls completely out of character.

"John is one of the nicest, most laid-back guys I've ever met, which makes this incredibly shocking and confusing to those who know him," the woman, who declined to be identified for this story, said. "He's supportive. He has always gone out of his way to help his friends in so many situations, from charitable events to athletic competitions. He's incredibly caring and funny. I've never even heard him raise his voice."

One of Antonucci's neighbors echoed that assessment, saying, "We are very sad about it. He was a good guy, very nice, loved his two dogs, always cheerful."

The woman was shocked at what unfolded on what she calls "such a quiet street." 

"I heard the sound of the gunshots around 11 p.m.," she said. "I was just falling asleep and police told us to go to the basement so we just remained there. We were wondering what was happening." 

Authorities recovered more than 12 firearms in the home, the prosecutor's office said, but all have since been found to be legally owned and registered to Antonucci, except for several antique firearms that do not require registration.

In addition to Fanwood Police, the Union County SWAT team, Union County Prosecutor's Office, Union County Police Department, Union County Office of Emergency Management, NJ Transit Police and the Scotch Plains and Westfield police departments responded to the scene.

"I want to thank all the surrounding agencies who assisted us," Trigo said. "Union County SWAT is second to none and is an outstanding asset to municipal departments."

Trigo said police advised nearby residents to go to their basements or in the farthest part of their homes from Antonucci's residence during the standoff. Police also sent a reverse-911 message to Fanwood residents around 6 a.m., advising them to stay in their homes. Some of the residents who were attempting to return to their homes during the standoff had to be turned away, Trigo said. 

In a message to residents Monday, Trigo and Mayor Colleen Mahr asked citizens to "help our neighbors on Locust Avenue to return to normalcy by limiting unnecessary visits to their street" and thanked the many departments that assisted during the standoff. 

READ MORE:

Gunfire Sparks 8-Hour Standoff at Fanwood Home, Prosecutor Says

'Police Responded Quickly, Professionally' Mayor Says of Locust Avenue Standoff