Watch CBS News

Authorities Identify Suspect Fatally Shot By Police During Armed Standoff Near Princeton Campus

PRINCETON, N.J. (CBS/AP) -- A suspect who was fatally shot by police following an armed standoff inside a restaurant near the Princeton University campus has been identified.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office identified the man as 56-year-old Scott Mielentz of Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He previously lived in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

The standoff at the Panera Bread restaurant on Tuesday lasted for nearly five hours.

It was not clear what sparked the standoff that began around 10 a.m.

Officials say police shot the gunman shortly before 3 p.m. after negotiations to get him to surrender were unsuccessful.

Authorities shut down Princeton's downtown area, and two campus buildings were evacuated as a precaution though the university is on spring break.

Armed officers were staged outside the restaurant with their weapons drawn during the negotiations.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.