Police end standoff peacefully with man who barricaded himself in bedroom

SAUGUS – SWAT teams from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) were called in on Monday (July 24) morning to assist Saugus police in a disturbance at a home in the area of Upper Main Street. Police responded to a report of an emotionally distressed 38-year-old man barricading himself in a bedroom while arming himself with a pipe.

“While on scene officers were able to employ proactive de-escalation techniques, including establishing communication and using verbal persuasion, containing the man to a confined space, waiting the situation out and using time to their advantage,” Saugus Police said in a press release about the incident.

“Officers were able to have less lethal force options available in order to establish compliance,” the statement continued. “After a short period, officers were able to take the man into custody safely and peacefully and transport him to an area hospital for an evaluation. At no point were members of the public endangered as a result of this call and no criminal charges will be filed.”

A crisis negotiator joined the NEMLEC SWAT teams to help resolve the situation peacefully.

“Mental Health is an epidemic; everyday police respond to calls not only in Saugus but all over the Commonwealth. If you or a loved one is hurting, please don’t hesitate to call 911 or get some help,” the press release said.