METUCHEN — Police arrested a Perth Amboy man on charges he falsely reported a hostage situation at a Jersey Avenue gym.
Hector L. Rivera, 23, allegedly called 911 at 9:36 a.m. April 7 and stated that “the Crossfit is being taken hostage,” according to Metuchen police Sgt. David Liantonio.
Officers suspected the call was a hoax due to recent “swatting” incidents around the state, when people call in false reports that result in a large police response, according to Liantonio.
Upon checking the Crossfit location, police saw that it was closed. They checked the area around the business for suspects, and Officer Emeka Chijioke saw a man looking toward the Crossfit while holding a cellphone, according to police.
The man — later identified as Rivera — was in the parking lot of Krauszer’s on Durham Avenue, where officers had also seen him loitering about two hours before the incident, police said.
Rivera’s cellphone showed the Metuchen Police Department’s non-emergency number on its screen, according to police.
He was charged with causing false public alarm, unlawful use of 911 and hindering arrest after police deemed him responsible for the threat, police said.
Rivera was taken to a medical facility for evaluation.