TEWKSBURY — A tense situation on Salem Road ended safely on Wednesday after police and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team worked together to de-escalate a standoff involving a resident experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Tewksbury Police said they were called to the home after receiving a report that an individual inside had claimed to be armed and threatened self-harm. Police secured the area and attempted to convince the person to leave the home, but the individual instead barricaded themselves inside.
The NEMLEC SWAT team was brought in to assist and after continued de‑escalation attempts, the individual eventually emerged from the home voluntarily.
No injuries were reported.
Police said the person was connected with appropriate mental health resources.
In a press release detailing the incident, Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus expressed gratitude for the professional work of his department and NEMLEC in de-escalating the situation.
“This had a positive outcome, in which nobody was injured and the individual can receive the support that they need,” Columbus said. “I am proud of the response from our officers, who relied on their extensive training to act professionally in a high-pressure situation, and the NEMLEC SWAT Team, which is a great resource to have in moments such as these.”
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