NEWS

Man barricaded in home with ax in Dover

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

DOVER – A large police response descended on East Blackwell Street Thursday morning when a mentally ill man barricaded himself in his home with an ax, Public Safety Director Dominick Saldida said.

Police responded to a report of a mentally ill man on East Blackwell Street before noon Thursday, and upon arrival discovered a Dover man in his 40s whom police have had a history with in the past, Saldida said.

The person who alerted police said the man had an ax and knives, and was off his medication and acting violently of late, Saldida said.

The man refused to open his door when police made contact, prompting police to call in the Community Emergency Response Team. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office also responded, Saldida said.

After speaking with the man further, forced entry was made and the man was taken into custody. He is now in the care of St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, Saldida said.

The man’s name was not provided because there were no charges issued, Saldida said.

“It was taken care of and a job well performed,” Saldida said. “We’re grateful there were no injuries.”

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com