TOMS RIVER: On Thursday, March 10, 2022, at approximately 10:20 AM, police units were dispatched to Motel 6 on Route 37 for a reported disorderly in progress with a barricaded suspect in possession of a knife. Upon arrival, officers attempted to communicate with the man and deescalate the situation. Unfortunately, negotiations were unsuccessful, and the man began cutting his throat with a box cutter/knife. In effort to stop him from causing further harm to himself, officers forced entry into the room. He continued to fight with officers as they took him into custody. Due to the extent of the self-inflicted injuries, he was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center where he underwent surgery and is listed in critical, but stable condition.

These types of calls are unfortunately more and more common and particularly dangerous to all involved. I would like to commend all the officers for their outstanding job in preventing a tragedy, as well as their composure and professionalism during this extremely dangerous incident. ~Chief Mitchell Little