August was an unusual month for Warren: in this usually-quiet month, readers followed several dramatic stories on Warren Patch.

In case you missed any of the top news, here's a quick recap of the month's biggest stories:

Lockdown Lifted in Watchung Neighborhood

This story was the month's most read, as readers learned of events unfolding in Watchung when a man threatened suicide by trying to draw police into a shootout. Somerset County SWAT responded, and the man was able to be talked down.

Internal Injuries, Head Lacerations in Route 78 Crash, Police Say

Just a week ago, a tragic, one-car accident on I-78 closed the roadway while five passengers in the car were hospitalized, several with severe injuries. 

Two Warren Houses Burglarized Over the Weekend

The township's battle against burglars continues—this month, two residents returned from a day out and about to discover they'd been robbed.

Sex Assault, Child Porn Latest Charges Against Watchung Man

In a disturbing  chain of events, Watchung resident Patrick Deck was charged with videotaping in a boys bathroom, followed by charges of posssessing a rifle illegally. Then, just two days after the rifle charge, a shocking series of charges including sexual assault, child pornography and recording a minor in a sexual act were filed. Deck is being held at the Warren County Correctional Center, with bail set at $200,000.

Who is Warren's Best Cover Band?

Our Readers' Choice 2012 contest ran through the first half of the month, and in the closing days of the contest, readers were drawn to the battle fo the bands. When the dust settled, the Michael Craig Band emerged as Warren's favorite.

On our Facebook page, readers are following the stories of their favorite Watchung Hills Regional athletes—Tuesday's season preview of the varsity girls soccer team is enjoying lots of attention, as did an update on Daphne Carboz, now playing at Georgetown.