Man Arrested After Barricading Himself and Threatening Police in Wildwood Family Dispute, US

WILDWOOD — A man was arrested on Sunday after barricading himself inside his family’s home in Wildwood and threatening law enforcement officers, according to police sources. The incident began when officers responded to a family dispute reported by the state Division of Child Protection & Permanency in the early hours of the morning. The division had attempted to serve a no-contact order on Rakesh Patel, 47, but he fled to the house where his family was staying. When officers arrived, Patel refused to leave the home and verbally threatened harm to the officers. The Cape May County Regional SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were called in to assist. The family managed to exit the home safely, but Patel remained inside, continuing to pose a threat. After extensive negotiations, the SWAT team entered the home and apprehended Patel. Charges filed against him include endangering the welfare of a child, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of a weapon, and obstruction of justice. The investigation is ongoing, and evidence has been collected from the scene. The Wildwood Fire Department, as well as several local police departments, provided assistance.