Police Safely Resolve Barricade Situation in Lorton

LORTON, VA -- Fairfax County Police were able to evacuate a Lorton resident to safety after police say he wounded himself in a barricade situation.

Police say that shortly after 2:30 p.m. Thursday, officers were called to a residence in the 6800 block of Silassie Court, in the Lorton area, for a man experiencing emotional distress. The man was in possession of a knife, expressed threats to harm himself, and refused to come out of a room in the home, according to police. Responding officers quickly established a dialogue with him, police said.

Barricade situation

Out of an abundance of caution, police Special Operations Division commanders declared a barricade situation at about 3:15 p.m. Numerous police department assets responded to the scene including specially trained crisis negotiators, according to FCPD.

After several hours of negotiations and based on the circumstances, a magistrate issued an emergency custody order, police said. Tactical officers, in consultation with medical doctors, senior clinicians with the Mobile Crisis Unit, and Crisis Negotiation Team members, determined the man was exhibiting medical distress and they made an informed decision to enter the room to render care. This did not require force as the door to the room was ajar and officers were already inside the residence, police said.

Tactical officers entered the room shortly after 8 p.m. and deployed the electronic control weapon to incapacitate the man who was still armed with a knife, according to police. It was discovered he had a potentially life-threatening, self-inflicted injury and was flown by medevac helicopter (Fairfax 1) for medical treatment, according to police.

The law enforcement personnel and healthcare professionals who responded to this event successfully contained the scene, isolated the event, evacuated those in potential danger, and for many hours attempted to negotiate a successful resolution to this matter. However, during the negotiations it was apparent there was a need to intervene based upon the totality of circumstances to prevent the person from further self-inflicted harm, according to police.

Police said they appreciate the patience and understanding of the community as they worked to resolve the situation.

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