In Piscataway, New Jersey, law enforcement officials reported on Tuesday that police shot and killed a man wielding a machete. Upon further investigation, they discovered the man’s mother and grandparents deceased inside the residence, as covered by WABC.

According to Piscataway’s Mayor Brian Wahler, it was the suspect’s father who placed the emergency call to 911, as detailed by the outlet.

Upon their arrival at the scene, police encountered the man brandishing a machete. Despite attempts to subdue him using tasers, these efforts proved ineffective, WABC reported.

As the man allegedly charged at officers with the weapon, they responded by opening fire, resulting in his death, the outlet further detailed.

The Piscataway Police Department had responded to an emergency call concerning an individual armed with a knife. (Kyle Mazza/UNF News/Shutterstock)

After the shooting, police found three people dead in the home, a press release from the New Jersey attorney general’s office notes.

“The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Piscataway Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey,” the release states.

Preliminary information indicated that authorities with the Piscataway Police Department had responded to a 911 call from someone who reported a person with a knife, the release indicates.

Police shot a man armed with a knife Jan. 5, 2026, in New Jersey. (Kyle Mazza/UNF News/Shutterstock)

“Officers subsequently shot and killed a man armed with a knife who they encountered at the residence,” the press release noted.

“A 2019 law … requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved,” the release explains.

Law enforcement shot a person armed with a knife in New Jersey. (Kyle Mazza/UNF News/Shutterstock)

According to a post on X, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Peter Andreyev noted, “We are aware of the horrific crime in Middlesex County tonight. All our members that were involved are being evaluated. Thank you to all who have reached to offer support.”