YPSILANTI, Mich. – An armed 53-year-old man who barricaded himself in the upper levels of a house in Ypsilanti has been safely taken into custody after more than 30 hours of crisis negotiation.
The tense situation, which ended on Monday (Jan. 5), lasted multiple days, and authorities expressed gratitude that no one was injured.
Officials thanked the Community Mental Health team and officers and deputies from neighboring agencies for their efforts in ensuring a safe resolution.
The barricade began Sunday, Jan. 4, when police responded just before 12:30 p.m. to reports of a man banging on neighbors’ doors while carrying a sword.
Upon arrival, the man confronted officers with the sword before retreating inside the home.
Negotiations started around 3 p.m. Sunday and continued into Monday.
Officers used flash bang grenades, tear gas, and a megaphone in attempts to coax the man out.
As of 3:45 p.m. Monday, he remained inside a difficult-to-access part of the residence.
After hours of negotiation, police cleared part of the home but continued efforts to safely remove the man.
Residents were advised to avoid Cross Street between Summit and Westmoreland streets during the incident.