By: Jeff Sommes
A tense situation in Berkeley Township ended peacefully Tuesday night after a man experiencing a mental health crisis was safely taken into custody, according to a statement released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Berkeley Township Police Chief Kevin Santucci said that officers were called to a residence on Whitaker Drive around 6:45 p.m. on May 20 following a 911 call reporting a medical emergency.
When officers arrived, they found a 50-year-old man who had reportedly locked himself in a bedroom while in possession of a handgun.
Family members informed police that the man was experiencing a mental health emergency. Attempts to establish communication with him were initially unsuccessful.
Due to the potential danger, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team was called in, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. Negotiators worked to de-escalate the situation for several hours.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., the man exited the home and surrendered without incident.
Authorities confirmed he was uninjured and was transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Santucci praised the coordinated response of the Berkeley Township Police Department and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, emphasizing their professionalism in resolving the situation safely.