Police Successfully End 3 Hour Motel Standoff
South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka praised the actions of all the officers involved with peacefully resolving a standoff at a Route 1 motel Monday morning. At 8:15am police were called to 3793 Route 1, the Hotel Vincenza for a reported despondent man in a motel room. According to the caller the man wanted to end his life or force officers to kill him. A dozen officers responded to the motel. Officers established a perimeter and began negotiations with the man. The 39 year old man had a history of mental illness and was highly agitated when officers arrived. He yelled at the officers and threw items against the door. The man refused to exit the room and made demands during the standoff. Over the next three hours negotiators were able to de-escalate the situation by reassuring him that they wanted a safe outcome and get him the assistance he needed. Negotiators worked with the man’s friends and family members during the standoff. Just after 11:20am the man emerged from the room with his dog. The man was transported by EMS with police to an area hospital
Chief Hayducka said, “The officers did a tremendous job de-escalating the tense situation. We have trained our officers to use de-escalation and talk situations down. Here the officers realized time was on their side and worked to resolve the standoff by talking to him over a period of hours. He was combative at first and was looking to force a confrontation. Officers made the correct decision to simple set up a perimeter and begin talking. He quickly realized no one was going to come rush in and tackle him. As time went on he began to speak of his issues and the problems he is facing. Negotiators worked to develop a rapport and show him they were concerned for his well-being. Officers worked with the man’s family and friends to get information and convince him to get help. After he realized no one was going to hurt him, he agreed to come out and get help. This is the outcome we look for in every interaction. It takes skill and training to create a peaceful resolution.”
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Crash Cleared - Ridge Road
A two vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer and car on Ridge Road has been cleared. The crash took place at 1:13pm and forced the closure of Ridge Road till 3pm. There were minor injuries in the crash and the exact cause remains under investigation.
