Three Monroe Township officers disarm resident at Valor Pointe without suffering injuries
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ – A mental health crisis at a New Jersey apartment complex escalated when a resident met responding officers at the door with a kitchen knife and began harming himself, prompting three officers to intervene and disarm him before he could cause further injury, police said.
The Monroe Township Police Department responded to Valor Pointe Apartments on Friday, Aug. 7, after the resident contacted police requesting assistance during a mental health crisis.
A portion of the Valor Pointe community provides housing for veterans, according to police. The department did not state whether the individual involved in the incident is a veteran.
When officers arrived, police said the resident met them at the door armed with a kitchen knife.
The individual then began using the knife to harm himself, creating what police described as an immediate danger of serious injury.
Officers Kevin Ging, Daniel Lang and Kamrin O’Neill intervened.
Police said the three officers disarmed and restrained the individual, preventing further harm.
None of the responding officers was injured during the intervention.
Monroe Township EMS subsequently transported the resident to a local medical facility for further evaluation and treatment. Police did not release additional information about the individual’s condition.
Chief Griffin Banos said the officers encountered a rapidly changing situation and credited them with using restraint while getting the individual to medical care.
The department also reminded New Jersey residents experiencing a mental health crisis that they can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans and service members can call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Anyone facing an immediate threat to life or safety should call 911.
Key Points
- Monroe Township Police responded to Valor Pointe Apartments after a resident requested help during a mental health crisis Friday.
- Police said the resident met officers with a kitchen knife and began harming himself before three officers disarmed and restrained him.
- The individual was transported for evaluation and treatment, while police reported no injuries to the responding officers.
