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Gunman Who Fired Shots From Roof Of Building In Custody Following Hours-Long Standoff In Salem, Police Say

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SALEM, N.J. (CBS) -- A suspect is in custody following an hours-long standoff in Salem, New Jersey. Salem police say Eric Smith is in custody after opening fire on U.S. Marshal Service agents who were attempting to arrest him on outstanding warrants around 11:30 a.m.

Police say Smith fired multiple rounds from an apartment building rooftop on the 100 block of East Broadway and barricaded himself for hours. At least one U.S. Marshals agent returned fire.

WATCH LIVE: Chopper 3 is live over the 100 block of East Broadway in Salem where New Jersey State Police say there is a possible shooter from a roof of a building. UPDATE: Police confirm a gunman has fired shots from the roof of a building. https://cbsloc.al/2FJthfA

Posted by CBS Philly on Wednesday, January 23, 2019

"Law enforcement took cover, established a perimeter and the schools were placed on lockdown. New Jersey State Police, along with the Aviation and K-9 unit, assisted in securing the scene," said Salem Police Chief John Pelura

For much of the afternoon, part of East Broadway was shut down and traffic was diverted. Video from Chopper 3 showed a heavy police presence during the ordeal. People could watch what was happening from a safe distance.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments as they heard bullets being sprayed in downtown Salem.

"I just heard a whole lot of boom, boom, boom, and when I walked downtown, I seen all this going on," said one eyewitness.

"I show up and see guys with long guns out here -- that's not good," said another person.

After three hours of talking with a negotiator, Smith peacefully surrendered.

Smith's aunt, Rebecca Holmes, says she doesn't know what Smith was originally charged with on the warrant.

"I'm just thanking God that he's OK and he surrendered," said Holmes.

UPDATE 1/23/2019 @ 3:14 PM The Salem County Campus is no longer under Lock Down. We would like to thank all the first...

Posted by Salem County Government on Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Police have not said what charges Smith is facing.

No one was injured in the shooting.

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