Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)
A man who had barricaded himself in a township home Tuesday was taken into protective custody by Toms River police officers after a short standoff.
Police were called at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday to a home on Patmas Drive for a reported emotionally disturbed man acting erratically in the residence with a bat and knives, according to police spokeswoman Jillian Messina. Upon the arrival of police, family members were evacuated from the home and officers formed a perimeter around the property “for the safety of the neighborhood, officers, and the male party.”
The man eventually opened the front door holding a bat and large knife, and after failing to obey officer’s commands, he closed the front door refusing to come out, Messina said. The Toms River Police Emergency Services Unit, plus detective negotiators responded to the scene and opened a dialog via phone. After telephone negotiations ended, a tactical team entered the home, quickly locating the man, who was taken into protective custody.
He was transported to Community Medical Center for further treatment. There were no reported injuries during the incident.
Also assisting on scene were members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
“These types of calls are unpredictable and extremely dangerous,” a statement said. “We’d like to commend all of the first responders on scene for their professionalism and commitment to the safety of everyone involved.”
