Shore homeowner disarms rifle-toting man on property

A Cape May County homeowner disarmed a man who arrived at his house armed with a rifle, police say.

The incident in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township began around 11 p.m. Monday when two men arrived at a Heritage Drive residence.

When the homeowner spotted one of the men, identified as Maxcreek Cooper, 26, of Villas, carrying the firearm, a physical altercation ensued and the victim secured the weapon, police said in a release.

Authorities say the homeowner knew one of the men, who both fled the residence in a minivan.

Cooper was arrested on Tuesday and charged with attempted robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated assault, police said.

He was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center.

An investigation is ongoing to identify the second man, described as black and approximately 5-feet, 9-inches tall.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Middle Township Police Department at (609) 465-8700 or anonymously text TIP MTPDTIPS followed by the message to 888777.