A man barricaded himself inside his apartment for hours while threatening police after an attempt was made to involuntarily commit him for mental health services, police said.
Police were called to the Metropolitan Plaza Apartments at 10:42 a.m. Tuesday for a man who was becoming aggressive during a mental health episode, Lt. Kevin Fair said.
An AtlantiCare mental health screener called for help to the building in the 100 block of South Rhode Island Avenue after trying to serve an involuntary commitment order for the man, according to the report.
Officers found the man in his apartment and began to engage him in conversation after he refused to open the door, Fair said.
Officers called the Crisis Negotiation Team, along with the SWAT team after the man barricaded the door.
The man threatened to assault police officers multiple times during the negotiations, including saying he would light them on fire, Fair said.
The Fire Department was called as a result of that threat, Fair said.
The SWAT team entered the apartment after almost four hours of negotiations, according to the report.
The man was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus for evaluation pertaining to his commitment order.
His name has not been released since he is not yet charged with anything. That could change, as the investigation is ongoing and could lead to future criminal charges, Fair said.
Residents in surrounding apartments were safely removed from the area. No one was injured.
