Police secure Montauk Avenue following mental health crisis
A section of Montauk Avenue in New London was temporarily closed on a Saturday morning after police established a perimeter in response to a man experiencing a mental health crisis, wtnh.com reported. The New London Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 9:35 a.m. in which a resident stated he had harmed his wife before disconnecting the call.
Officers arrived at the man’s residence after attempts to reestablish phone contact failed. Responding units observed the individual standing near an open second-floor window, prompting the road closure and perimeter setup as a safety precaution.
Officers confirm safety of residents and relatives
While de-escalation efforts were used with the man, police contacted other residents of the building to ensure their safety. A neighboring police agency informed New London authorities that the man’s wife was safe at her workplace and had sustained no injuries.
A sweep of the property found a family member of the man who was asleep during the incident and was unharmed. No weapons were recovered and no injuries were reported.
Hospital Transport and Reopening of Montauk Avenue
The man ultimately walked out through the rear door of the building on his own accord and was detained without incident. He was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for mental health evaluation and treatment.
Following his departure and the completion of the safety sweep, the New London Police Department lifted the road closure, and Montauk Avenue reopened to traffic. In a statement released after the resolution, the department emphasized its commitment to connecting community members with appropriate mental health resources for individuals in mental health crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New London Incident
Why was Montauk Avenue closed on Saturday morning?
Police shut down the roadway to establish a safety perimeter while officers responded to a 911 call regarding a resident experiencing a mental health crisis.
Was anyone injured during the police response?
No injuries were reported, and no weapons were recovered.
Where was the man’s wife during the incident?
A neighboring police agency confirmed to New London officers that the man’s wife was safe at her place of employment and had not been harmed.
What happened to the man after he exited the building?
He voluntarily walked out of the rear door, was safely detained, and was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for a mental health evaluation.