Salem City Man Convicted in Violent Standoff

State prosecutors say a southern New Jersey man who traded gunfire with law enforcement during a hostage situation last year, leaving one person and a police dog wounded, has been convicted on multiple counts of attempted murder and kidnapping.

Lavar Rodgers could face up to life in prison following the verdicts reached Wednesday by a Salem County jury.

Rodgers also was convicted on numerous counts of criminal restraint and aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Prosecutors said the 26-year-old Salem City man held his girlfriend and her three young children at gunpoint in their row home in January 2011. When authorities first entered the home, Rodgers opened fire, forcing them to leave the residence.

The girlfriend and her children were released unharmed several hours later, and Rodgers eventually was captured.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)