MILFORD — Members of the Milford Police Department Family Services Unit responded to a residence on Congress Street Monday at approximately 6:45 p.m. to conduct a well-being check.
Upon arrival, officers entered the home with another resident and encountered Darren Esslinger.
The routine well-being check quickly escalated when Esslinger ran into the kitchen, stating that the officers were there to kill him.
As officers and the on-scene clinician approached the kitchen threshold, Esslinger grabbed a large kitchen knife and threatened to kill them.
At approximately 6:59 p.m., officers were able to successfully de-escalate the situation and take Esslinger into custody without injury.
“I’d like to commend the officers and clinician of our Family Services Unit for their professionalism and restraint,” stated Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino.
Darren Esslinger was charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit crime and disorderly conduct.
He was held on $10,000 bail.
