Freetown Police place man into custody after standoff

Freetown police report that a 54 year old man was taken into custody Friday night at his Point of Pines Road home.

Lieut. Steven E. Abbott reports that according to Chief Carlton Abbott, police were contacted by several of the man’s family members who feared for his safety. The Chief said, “We received information that the man was distraught, had allegedly consumed alcohol together with various prescription medications, and had made statements leading family members and police to belief that he presented a danger to himself.”

At 9:30 p.m., Patrolmen Thomas Ashley and John Pina responded to the home. Shortly after initiating conversation with the man, he abruptly stopped talking, ignored police, and began turning on and off the home’s interior lights.

In the meantime K-9 Officer Thomas Long and Patrolmen Ryan Pereira and Patrick Lee arrived on scene. As a precaution, police requested Freetown Fire Department Rescue personnel and an ambulance to stage nearby.

Over the course of the next two hours police continued their efforts to communicate with the man. They sought his cooperation and explained to him that he could be transported to a hospital for evaluation. At times he demanded that the police kick in the door or otherwise face a standoff. His alleged impairment made communicating a challenge. Nevertheless, communications continued and involved family members and the man’s doctor.

At 11:35 p.m., the man exited the home. Police took him into custody without incident and escorted him into the ambulance that was on standby. Police accompanied the man as he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Chief Abbott thanked the man’s family for their cooperation and assistance. He also praised his officers, stating, “Their goal was to prevent this man from harming himself and to get him professional help. I commend them for accomplishing this and for the patience and reserve they exhibited tonight.”