Police spoke with a man with reported mental health issues and allegedly armed with a handgun for eight hours.
The following information is on file with the Evesham Township Police Department:
On Sept. 10 at approximately 12:47 p.m., officers with the Evesham Township Police Department responded to the unit block of Lancaster Drive to conduct a well-being check on a male reported to be suffering from mental health issues.
Upon officer’s arrival, police they allegedly located the male in the rear yard of his home armed with a handgun. The male refused to comply with officer’s orders and fled into his home. Officers quickly established a perimeter and began evacuating all nearby homes. Once all homes were evacuated and an extensive perimeter was established, a Evesham Police Negotiator began communications with the male in an attempt to peacefully resolve the situation. Those negations lasted approximately eight hours and led to the male peacefully surrendering to officers.
Police say their were no injuries during this situation and the male was taken to a mental health screening center for the help he needed. Evesham Police thank the members of the community, especially the families in the affected area, for their cooperation, patience and understanding.
Officials with the ETPD say the department recognizes the “broad impact” that incidents like this have on the affected community. As such, officials with the department say ETPD appreciates the support and cooperation given by those affected.
