WEST WARWICK, RI — A man threatening self-harm with a handgun was taken into protective custody Saturday afternoon following a nearly two-hour standoff with police.
Officers from the West Warwick Police Department responded to the woodline area behind a hotel parking lot on James P. Murphy Industrial Highway at approximately 1:30 p.m. for a report of a despondent male in possession of a handgun.
Upon arrival, officers found the individual holding a handgun to his chest and threatening self-harm.
The immediate area was evacuated as officers established communication with the man.
After intensive negotiation efforts, the individual agreed to drop the handgun peacefully.
He was taken into protective custody and transported by rescue personnel to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.
The Rhode Island State Police, Warwick Police Department and West Warwick-Coventry Regional S.W.A.T. Team assisted with traffic control, tactical response and public safety operations.
