Point Pleasant Borough, NJ – A large police response at a Point Pleasant hotel on New Year’s Day ended without injuries after officers and crisis negotiators safely de-escalated a behavioral health incident involving an armed individual, authorities said.
According to a statement from Captain Christopher Woit, officers responded around 9:18 a.m. on January 1 to the Rodeway Inn on Route 88 after receiving a call for assistance from the Ocean County Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) Unit. Police encountered a person described as highly agitated and in possession of a knife.
Officers secured the area and isolated the individual inside a hotel room to protect public safety. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene and worked in coordination with local agencies, including Bay Head and Mantoloking police.
After an extended negotiation, the individual was safely taken into custody and transported to a hospital for evaluation. No injuries were reported to officers, civilians, or the individual involved. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Police thanked assisting agencies and emphasized that the heavy response was necessary to ensure community safety. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the community during this incident and want to assure residents that the safety and security of our town remain our top priority,” the statement said.