Man Threatened Police With Knife In Christmas Incident: Report

WAUKESHA, WI -- Police in Waukesha say they safely resolved a Christmas night family emergency in which a drunk man reportedly used a knife to threaten family, then officers, and then himself.

According to reports, Waukesha police officers responded to a home on the 1100 block of Motor Ave. just after 9 p.m. on Dec. 25 on a report of an intoxicated person.

According to police accounts, a person in the home called 911, saying that a man inside was drunk and had smashed a cabinet during an altercation. Upon officers' arrival, police say the man grabbed a large butcher-style knife and held it to his own throat.

Reports indicated that the man went in the home's basement as the family was safely evacuated by authorities.

Waukesha police told Patch that while the man was in the basement, he continued to hold the knife to his throat and began taunting officers. He broke objects in the basement and started throwing the objects at the officers who were assembled at the top of the stairs trying to de-escalate the situation and negotiate with him, police said.

Police said the man began making throwing motions like he was going to throw the knife at the officers.

Police told Patch that an officer deployed his taser, which was successful in subduing the man. Officers were able to safely take him into custody, and he was later taken to a medical facility for evaluation.

Police say the man, though in custody, has yet to be charged, and may be charged in the coming days.

Patch File Photo By Scott Anderson