SOUTH BRUNSWICK – South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka praised the actions of all the officers involved with peacefully resolving a standoff at a Route 1 motel.
At 8:15 a.m. May 22, police were called to Hotel Vincenza, located at 3793 Route 1, 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, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department.
A dozen officers responded to the motel, police said. Officers established a perimeter and began negotiations with the man. The 39-year-old has a history of mental illness and was reportedly highly agitated when officers arrived. He allegedly yelled at the officers and threw items against the door, according to the statement.
The man reportedly refused to exit the room and made demands during the standoff. During the next three hours negotiators were able to de-escalate the situation by working with his friends and family members during the standoff, police said.
Just after 11:20 a.m., the man emerged from the room with his dog. He was transported by EMS with police to an area hospital.
“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,” Hayducka said. “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.”