Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Berkeley Township Chief of Police Kevin Santucci announced that on May 20, 2025, at approximately 6:45 p.m., the Berkeley Township Police responded to a residence on Whitaker Drive in response to a 911 call for a medical emergency. Responding Officers discovered a 50 year-old male, who was reported to be in a mental health crisis by his family. It was learned that the subject had locked himself in his bedroom and was in possession of a handgun. Initial efforts to communicate with the subject were met with negative results.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team was deployed and negotiations began with the subject to relinquish the weapon and surrender. In the interest of public safety, nearby residences were evacuated. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the subject exited the residence and was taken into custody by members of the SWAT Team without incident. The subject was uninjured and was transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Santucci commend the Berkeley Township Police Department and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team for their combined assistance during this incident.