According to Suffern Police Chief Andrew Loughlin, officers received a report at approximately 3:10 p.m. on October 18 from a family member who said a male resident had sent text messages threatening to harm himself and a woman inside the home.

As officers responded, the woman contacted police, reporting that she had locked herself inside a room out of fear for her safety. Upon arrival, officers safely escorted her from the residence. She told police that the man had barricaded himself inside a bedroom and was armed with a knife.

Police were also informed that the man had previously owned firearms and might still have access to one.

Officers made several unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the man before exiting the residence and establishing a perimeter. The Rockland County REACT Team, including tactical and crisis negotiation personnel, was called to assist, along with the Rockland County Department of Mental Health’s mobile response team.

Over the next several hours, negotiators attempted to establish communication by telephone, verbally, and through a loudspeaker. Although officers observed the man moving inside the residence, he did not respond to their attempts.

Following consultations with tactical commanders, crisis negotiators, and mental health professionals, Suffern Police made the decision to disengage and withdraw personnel from the scene in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

Police explained that the man was believed to be alone inside the home, with no indication that he posed an immediate threat to anyone outside. Authorities also determined that the available information did not provide sufficient grounds to obtain a search warrant to enter the residence.

The department emphasized that continued police contact with someone experiencing a mental health crisis can sometimes increase distress and potentially escalate a situation, making withdrawal the most appropriate response under certain circumstances.

Before leaving, officers arranged for the woman to stay at a safe, undisclosed location with a friend. A follow-up plan was also established involving the family and Rockland County mental health professionals.

On Monday, October 19, Suffern Police confirmed that the Rockland County Department of Mental Health had made follow-up contact with the family and would continue providing assistance and resources as needed.

Suffern Mayor Michael Curley, the Village Board, and the Police Department thanked the Rockland County REACT Team, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and all responding agencies for their assistance throughout the incident.