SWAT Standoff With Bloods Gang Member Ends Peacefully in Middle Twp.

For nearly six hours Tuesday,  local police and the Cape May County SWAT team worked to take a wanted man in to custody in a standoff in the Whitesboro section of Middle Township.

Before the incident ended at about 8 pm Tuesday, negotiators brought in from New York and Delaware, tear gas and even a robot were used to bring a peaceful end to the standoff.

Here's a recap of Tuesday's drama from the Middle Township Police...

"Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor and Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner announce the successful conclusion of a six hour barricaded standoff in the Whitesboro section of Middle Township. The Standoff began after officers of the Middle Township observed Raymond Bartee, age 34 of Middle Township, an attempted to arrest him for an outstanding Aggravated Assault Warrant.

Bartee was able to eluded the officers for a short period of time, before being located in a residence in the 1700 block of US Route 9 South in Whitesboro. Bartee assaulted a member of the residence and quickly barricaded himself in the residence along with the victim of the assault.

It was quickly learned that Raymond Bartee was a documented Bloods Street Gang member and additionally declared himself to be a member of the Sovereign Citizens. Additionally, it was learned that Bartee had access to weapons.

The Cape May County Regional SWAT team was activated along with members of the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office and the Sheriff's Department. As a result , approximately one mile of US Route 9, between North Wildwood Blvd and Main Street was closed to local traffic. Additional services responded to assist that included members of the Middle Township Fire and Rescue, Members of the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management and the Atlantic Care EMS Task Force.

After nearly six hours, Raymond Bartee surrendered to Officers and was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Facility. The investigation is still ongoing with additional charges pending. Route 9 was opened to traffic at 8:15."