Man Surrenders After 2-Hour Standoff In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River police officer was able to talk a man into leaving a home peacefully after he attacked another person in the home, police said.

Authorities were called to the home shortly before 3 p.m. Friday for a report that a man suffering from mental illness, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

The victim told police she had been assaulted and that the man was in his bedroom and armed with a knife, Messina said.

After everyone else was removed from the home, Officer Kristi Stebila spoke with the man for nearly two hours, developing a rapport, and was able to talk him into coming out peacefully, Messina sai.

The man was charged with third-degree aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon and taken to Community Medical Center for mental health treatment, she said.

"I’d like to commend Officer Kristi Stebila for her effectiveness, compassion, and patience while speaking with the suspect, as well as officers Damon Korpon, Robert King, and Kevin Corrigan for their professionalism, and ensuring the safety of everyone in the residence," Police Chief Mitch Little said.

"On a daily basis, mental health calls are among the most dangerous. I could not be more proud of all of my officers for their dedication to making sure at the end of the day everyone goes home safe," Little said.