Man Killed in Bow-and-Arrow Attack in Kearny; Suspect Charged After Fiery Standoff

year-old man was killed Saturday evening after being struck in the back by an arrow while walking along Kearny Avenue, and authorities later arrested a 44-year-old local man following an hourslong barricade situation that included multiple fires, officials said.

Authorities identified the victim as Pablo Criollo, 45, of Harrison. The suspect was identified as Oscar Feijoo, 44, of Kearny.

According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and accounts reported by local media, Kearny police were notified around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, of an injured man near Kearny Avenue and Johnston Avenue. Officers determined Criollo had been struck by an arrow. He was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he later died.

Investigators identified Feijoo as a person of interest and attempted to contact him at a residence on Kearny Avenue. Officials said Feijoo barricaded himself inside, prompting a response from regional SWAT teams. During the overnight operation, several fires were ignited inside the home around 5 a.m. Sunday, triggering a multi-alarm fire response and evacuation/shelter-in-place instructions for nearby residents, authorities said.

Feijoo ultimately surrendered Sunday afternoon after the fires were brought under control, and prosecutors said he came out of the home armed with knives.

Feijoo has been charged with murder and aggravated arson, along with weapons-related offenses. Prosecutors have said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues, including charges referenced by the AP as arson and gun-related offenses.

Officials have not publicly confirmed a motive, and investigators are still working to determine whether the suspect and victim knew each other.

Editor’s note (location): While some people have referred to the incident as “in New York,” it occurred in Kearny, New Jersey, about 10 miles west of New York City.