Gloucester Township Man Charged In Shooting Inside Deptford Home

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Gloucester Township man was arrested after police say he broke into a home in Deptford, fired a gun and ran off into the surrounding neighborhood Saturday night.

Michael F. Dorazo, 41, of the Glendora section of the township, was armed with two handguns and a high-power, high-capacity assault weapon when he broke into a home on Pasadena Avenue in Deptford on Saturday, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

The prosecutor’s office, Deptford police, the Gloucester County SWAT Team, Gloucester Township Police Department tactical assets, New Jersey State Police, the U.S. Marshal’s Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the federal ATF all responded to the scene and began searching for Dorazo.

The search continued into the evening hours during darkness and periods of heavy rain, at multiple locations and without pause, police said.

At about 9:45 p.m., police were alerted that Dorazo was seen in the Pasadena Avenue neighborhood. Law enforcement then blanketed the neighborhood on foot, providing direct support to Deptford police officers, according to authorities.

Dorazo was seen moving through the neighborhood and pursued. Law enforcement cornered Dorazo, cutting off any avenue of escape, authorities said. Still armed, Dorado initially refused to surrender, and "took steps to deploy a handgun towards officers," authorities said.

Personnel converged on Dorazo from several directions, cutting off any prospect for Dorazo to escape. A Deptford police officer then tackled and subdued Dorazo, authorities said. Dorazo was disarmed and arrested.

Dorazo has been charged with attempted murder, burglary during commission of an attempted murder and domestic violence incident, certain persons not to possess firearms, possession of firearms for an unlawful purpose, and resisting arrest.

Dorazo was processed and remanded to the custody of the Salem County Correctional Facility pending an initial appearance.

“Acting Prosecutor Christine Hoffman extends her heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Deptford Township Police Department under the leadership of Chief Frank Newkirk. DPD played pivotal roles in the initial response, search and high-risk apprehension of a heavily armed and volatile Dorazo under extremely dangerous circumstances,” the prosecutor’s office said in a release. “She is also deeply thankful to members of the GCPO, Chief David Harkins and members of the Gloucester Township Police Department, personnel from the New Jersey State Police, US Marshal’s Service personnel deployed by New Jersey United States Marshal Juan Mattos, federal ATF personnel, the Real-Time Crime Center South, and partners from Gloucester County OEM/Public Safety/Communications led by Coordinator Dennis McNulty. This incident exemplified professionalism, partnership and seamless cooperation by law enforcement and public safety personnel committed to protecting the residents of Gloucester County and our local communities.”

“I could not be prouder of personnel under my command,” Deptford Police Chief Frank Newkirk said. “Their exemplary performance on May 29th underscores the direct benefits of their extensive training, experience and unwavering self-sacrifice when serving the residents of Deptford, both day to day and during critical incidents which can arise with little or no warning.”

This investigation remains active, and detectives believe there are additional witnesses who can provide crucial information to aid and further this investigation.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office encourages any witnesses with information regarding Dorazo and his actions to call Sgt. John Petroski of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-498-6238 or Detective Maureen Baney of the Deptford Township Police Department at 856-689-6946. Information can also be e-mailed to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.