Man In Salem Standoff Has History Of Mental Health Issues: Cousin

SALEM, MA -- The man being held for a psychiatric evaluation following an hours-long standoff with police in December has a history of mental health issues and changed his name to prevent harassment, according to his cousin. In an email to Salem Patch, Thomas J. Colburn said problems started for Adam Jordan, 28, after the September 2001 terrorist attacks when kids at school started harassing him because he is of Middle Eastern descent.

"I have spent many nights talking with him for long hours. He has several forms of mental illness and is prescribed different medications -- not really sure of what he's diagnosed with or what meds he's on but I know he struggles," Colburn said. "He is a good dad that cares very much for his kids, but being mentally ill and not receiving proper treatment makes it difficult as you could imagine."

Salem Police were called to Charles Street around 8:30 pm Dec. 29, where Jordan was holed up in a house with his eight-month-old son and refusing to come out. Jordan surrendered to Salem Police early on the morning of Dec. 30. He is charged with kidnapping, witness intimidation, assault and battery, reckless endangerment of a child, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He is being held pending the outcome of a mental health evaluation.

Colburn said he had not spoken with his cousin in about a month. before he was arrested He said harassment at school and, later, run-ins with police prompted him to legally change his name to Adam. Colburn said Jordan is currently being held at the Middleton jail; he once told Colburn while he was being held there on other charges guards had offered him extra food if he fought other inmates.

"I'm disgusted that he never received better care. He didn't have an easy childhood either," Colburn said. "I'm terribly saddened to learn about his recent arrest...he belongs in a hospital not in Middleton."

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).