TOWN OF FISHKILL – Town Police in Fishkill responded to an adult home early Wednesday morning for a report of an emotionally disturbed man who was threatening himself and others with a knife. Police responded to the 126 Old Castle Point Road facility at 12:15 a.m. and began efforts to prevent harm to the subject, staff, and other residents of the facility, according to Fishkill Police Lieutenant Paul Schettino.
Responding to an inquiry from Mid-Hudson News, Schettino said that the first officer who arrived was directed to the area of the facility where a male resident was experiencing a mental health crisis and holding a butcher-style knife against his left wrist, applying pressure to the limb with the blade. The officer immediately requested assistance from other officers and began attempts to de-escalate the situation.
While additional Fishkill officers and state troopers were responding, Officers William Bowers and Dane Wakefield worked to establish a relationship with the man. Using the skills learned from crisis intervention and de-escalation training, the two Fishkill cops negotiated with the suicidal subject, in an effort to prevent himself from injuring himself or anyone else, Schettino said.
After a short time of negotiating with the man, Officer Bowers convinced him to release pressure he had applied to his wrist with the knife and voluntarily placed the weapon on the bed next to him, surrendering it safely to police.
The man was transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital by the officers for treatment of his mental health issues. “Our officers are dedicated to public safety and train constantly to enhance their skills,” Schettino said. “Risking their own safety, our cops face dangerous situations on a daily basis and keep the community safe by relying on the latest methods they have learned through rigorous training that Chief Dworkin demands of the department. This most recent incident validates the chief’s training initiatives that keep everyone safe.”
