Suicidal suspect puts neighbors on edge, guns drawn

GERMANTOWN (WITI) -- A scary scene at an apartment complex near Mequon Rd. and Legend Ave. after calls poured in reporting a suicidal suspect. Residents stayed in their homes as a tactical situation unfolded right before their eyes. Police surrounded a home -- with guns drawn.

A growing response, to what began as a welfare check.

"When we attempted to make contact with the subject, he was not cooperating with the officers," said Peter Hoell, Germantown police chief.

When that happened, Germantown police called for mutual aid -- SWAT teams from Washington and Waukesha County arrived. The tactical squads approached the 26-year-old man's home, and waited.

Police say the man's parents were a part of that team as they joined the negotiations.

"They were very helpful, they had information for us, obviously wanted to know about the weapon and if there were other weapons, his history and they were very supportive of law enforcement while they were here as well." said Hoell.

But before the stand-off would end, police decided to close Mequon Rd., which runs next to the complex. The lack of access forced others in the sub-division to cancel their plans.

"The people that were there still kind of hung out but a lot of people just turned around and went home," said Rachel Murphy, going to a graduation party.

Most importantly though, the stand-off ended peacefully. The man came out on his own; police say the next step was to try getting him some help.

"Our protocol is ACUTE Care Services in Washington County; they have workers that come on scene wherever we are with an individual that needs help," said Hoell.

While police seek help for one man, his neighbors return to their home with a sense of relief.

Police did evacuate the neighboring apartments, but most of the people in this complex were allowed to stay in their homes.

As for any charges against this man, police say they have more to investigate before making that decision -- but the most important thing now is getting this man the help he apparently needs.