Dundalk Man Charged After Hours-Long Police Standoff

DUNDALK, MD — A standoff that lasted approximately four hours has ended in Dundalk. Police said a man who pulled out a gun after a traffic stop and threatened to shoot himself was taken into custody before 12:30 a.m. on Monday.

Jason John Kassakatis, 50, of the 2400 block of Fairway, was provided with medical treatment before he was charged with 11 offenses, from drug possession to assault, according to police.

Now Kassakatis is being held without bail by the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

He has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, having a handgun on his person, having a handgun in a vehicle, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of drugs other than marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, failure to obey a lawful order, possession of a dangerous weapon and theft under $100.

According to officials, the incident that led to the charges was a traffic stop.

Police said that around 8 p.m. an officer stopped a car with stolen tags on Willow Spring Road at Pine Avenue. When officers approached the vehicle, they said the driver got out and held a handgun against his body as he walked away from them and threatened to shoot himself.

Officials sent tactical and hostage negotiation teams to talk with him.

The man, later identified as Kassakatis, walked to the intersection of Yorkway and Kinship Road, and law enforcement officers maintained a perimeter around him.

Residents near Yorkway and Kinship Road were asked by police to remain inside their homes Sunday night as officers negotiated with Kassakatis.

Police here in Dundalk, confirming armed man on Yorkway and Kinship. Neighbors asked to stay indoors. @FOXBaltimore pic.twitter.com/BczhjZelWz
— Alexa Ashwell (@AlexaAshwell) July 9, 2018

After 10:30 p.m., authorities reported they were still negotiating with the man.

When Kassakatis surrendered before 12:30 a.m., police said they found a gun and knife on him and another gun inside the vehicle.

#BREAKINGNEWS right now Baltimore County Police involved in a standoff with an armed man.
I’m near the corner of Yorkway and Kinship rd. in Dundalk. pic.twitter.com/3SOWescNiX
— Eddie Kadhim (@EddieKadhimWMAR) July 9, 2018

Help for Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433), and its website offers services including a live chat.

Also find resources available around Maryland to help those who are in crisis.

Photo of Jason Kassakatis courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.

Yorkway incident- #BCoPD negotiating with the man. We continue to request that citizens stay away from the area. ^SV
— BACO Public Safety (@BACOPoliceFire) July 9, 2018