Random bow-and-arrow attack leaves New Jersey man dead, as suspect barricades himself in his house and lights it on fire

A New Jersey man is dead, shot and killed by a bow and arrow in an apparent random sidewalk attack, according to police. The suspect is now in custody after a dramatic hours-long standoff that saw a fire breakout requiring a fire department response from several agencies.

According to CBS News, on December 20, 2025, the victim, Pablo Criollo, 45, of Harrison, New Jersey, walked home in Kearny at around 6:45 p.m. Surveillance video and witness accounts show Criollo being struck with an arrow in the back. The sound of a bow can be heard in the footage, before Criollo pauses, stumbles, and then collapses on the sidewalk. First responders rushed Criollo to a local hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

A person of interest

Using evidence collected at the scene, law enforcement identified Oscar Feijoo, 44, a Kearny resident, as a person of interest in the killing.

When officers attempted to contact Feijoo at his home on Kearny Avenue, he barricaded himself inside. Regional SWAT teams were deployed, and neighbors were advised to shelter in place or evacuate as officers negotiated with Feijoo to turn himself in.

According to prosecutors, during the standoff early Sunday, Feijoo ignited several fires inside the residence, causing a multi-alarm blaze that required fire crews from several nearby communities to respond and contain the flames.

After fire suppression efforts were underway, Feijoo remained barricaded inside for hours, and authorities continued efforts to persuade him to surrender. Around 1 p.m. Sunday, he eventually exited the home armed with multiple knives, wearing a red bandana. Officers took him into custody with no further reported injuries to law enforcement or civilians.

No motive disclosed

Feijoo now faces multiple charges, including murder, aggravated arson, and unlawful possession of a weapon. with prosecutors indicating additional charges may be forthcoming. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed a motive for the attack or confirmed whether Criollo and Feijoo knew each other before the incident.

Feijoo is described as a recluse, but neighbors reported strange behaviors in the past. Criollos’ family said he chose to walk home that day because he’d get home faster than taking the bus. Criollo looked forward to Christmas, his family said.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses from the area. Prosecutors have not said whether Feijoo legally owned the bow used in the attack or how investigators believe the victim was targeted. Officials emphasized that the incident appears isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Criollo’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief in the community, with neighbors leaving flowers near the site of the attack and family members calling for justice as they prepare funeral arrangements. Feijoo is expected to make his first court appearance in Hudson County Superior Court.