Kearny, N.J. - Firefighting and life saving actions have become more difficult in modern times with mass shooting and hostage situations.  Firefighters in Kearny and surrounding fire departments faced such a challenge on the morning of December 21^st.  

On the evening of December 20^th, the Kearny Police Department was notified of an injured man in the area of Kearny Avenue and Johnson Avenue around 6:45 p.m.  Police officers found the victim who had been struck by an arrow.  The 45-year old Harrison man was transported to University Hospital, in Newark, where he later died from his wound.

During the investigation, according to Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello, Oscar Feijoo, 44, of town, was identified as a person of interest. Law enforcement attempted to make contact with Feijooas at his Kearny Avenue residence, where he barricaded himself.  The Hudson County Regional SWAT was then called in.  A shelter in place was also ordered for residents on Kearny Avenue between Johnson and Woodland Avenues.  

At around 5:30 a.m., while negotiations were ongoing, several fires were ignited inside of the two-story residence.  Local firefighters, that were on standby a block away, responded to the structure.  They encountered a heavy volume of fire.  A second alarm was quickly transmitted as firefighters began fire suppression duties, covered by SWAT officers, as well as a SWAT armored truck located in front of the building. This was followed by a 3^rd alarm. A drone was also being employed above the building. 

The fire extended into Exposure B, an attached similar type constructed dwelling. Interior crews reported a stairway collapse and an evacuation tone was sounded.  Master streams were set up, which included a deck gun operation by Squad 2, parked next to the SWAT truck.  In addition Tower 2 was put into service. Fire Chief Joseph Mastandrea took command of the firefighting operations.   

When the heavy volume of fire was knocked down, and firefighters were able to work from the inside, they encountered tin ceilings on the second floor to open up.  A labor intensive project, to find the hidden fire, which continued to burn.  The stubborn fire burned for an extended period of time with numerous  hand lines in operation as well as the master streams.  

As the sun rose and many pockets of fire had been exposed, a de-watering project began to help SWAT officers search for the suspect.  Officials reported that the suspect exited the building armed with knives and he was taken into custody, after a brief standoff, shortly before 1 p.m.  Feijoo was placed into an ambulance for examination. 

Mutual aid fire units that operated at the scene came from Harrison, Jersey City, North Arlington and Belleville.  Members of the Jersey City Gong Club provided rehab services for the firefighters and police officers on the 34-degree morning.  

Feijoo was charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and with aggravated arson.  Additional charges were expected. Mello credited the Kearny PD, Harrison PD, Hudson County Regional SWAT, and the county's Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Unit for their investigation and arrest.