TOMS RIVER, NJ – A knife-wielding man who had just assaulted a woman inside a home in Toms River engaged in a two-hour standoff with police officers Friday night before surrendering peacefully.
According to police, at around 2:55 pm, officers were dispatched to a residence for a reported disorderly person suffering from mental illness.
“Once on scene, officers spoke with the victim who stated that she had just been assaulted and the suspect was in his bedroom with a knife,” according to the department’s public information office. “After observing the suspect with the knife in his hand, officers safely removed all parties from the residence and began to speak with the suspect.”
The standoff went on for nearly two hours as Officer Kristi Stebila developed a rapport with the suspect and was able to talk him into coming out of the residence peacefully.
He was charged with 3rd Degree Aggravated Assault and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and transported to Community Medical Center for mental health treatment.
Due to the medical condition of the suspect, his name was not released by the department.
“I’d like to commend Officer Kristi Stebila for her effectiveness, compassion, and patience while speaking with the suspect, as well as officers Damon Korpon, Robert King, and Kevin Corrigan for their professionalism, and ensuring the safety of everyone in the residence,” Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little said. “On a daily basis, mental health calls are among the most dangerous. I could not be more proud of all of my officers for their dedication to making sure at the end of the day everyone goes home safe.”