NJ troopers shoot, wound man armed with ax, dagger

(AP) QUINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - State police shot and wounded a southern New Jersey man after he allegedly threw an ax at three troopers and charged at them while reaching for a dagger.

Today’s Sunbeam of Salem (http://bit.ly/sVz485) reports 63-year-old Wesley Pitts of Quinton Township was struck in the arm and shoulder during the confrontation. But his injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The shooting occurred around 5:25 a.m. Wednesday, after the suspect’s brother reported that Pitts was at his home, brandishing the ax and making threatening comments. The troopers soon arrived and found Pitts at the nearby home of another relative, and the shooting soon occurred.

Pitts remained hospitalized Wednesday night and couldn’t be reached for comment. His bail was set at $200,000 cash.

Pitts faces three counts of aggravated assault and several weapons offenses.