JACKSON STANDOFF RESIDENT ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on December 19, 2018 at approximately 1:30pm, Jackson Township Police responded to the residence of defendant John Abramski at 325 New Central Avenue, Jackson, New Jersey, for a report of a female yelling as she exited the residence. She said that a male subject inside the residence had a gun and was acting irrationally. Upon arrival the victim Daniel Shemtov had an odor of petroleum product on him. During the investigation it was discovered that Abramski had poured lighter fluid on Shemtov and repeatedly attempted to light him on fire with a propane torch. Shemtov was able to escape the residence.
After being confronted by Jackson Township Police in the driveway, Abramski ran back into the house. Abramski’s girlfriend told police he was in possession of a loaded shotgun. Jackson Township Police requested that the Ocean County Regional SWAT team be called to the scene. At approximately 2:30 pm the SWAT team breached the house and found multiple weapons. It was also found that the defendant had barricaded himself in a shed behind the residence. The Swat team utilized a tactical vehicle known as the “Bearcat” to breach the shed and see the defendant Abramski. Abramski had the shotgun pointed at himself and refused to surrender. After hours of negotiations with SWAT negotiators, tear gas was deployed and defendant Abramski was apprehended without incident. No law enforcement officers were injured. Abramski is charged with Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose.
Prosecutor Billhimer praises the efforts the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, the Jackson Township Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.