JACKSON – A recent situation that could have quickly turned fatal was handled by a pair of Jackson police officers who have since been commended for their efforts.
At 11:30 p.m. Feb. 21, officers Anthony Riso and Phil Minissale were called to a Kings North Road residence in response to an abandoned call for assistance, according to police.
A resident told the officers a 51-year-old man was in a room and armed with a large knife. The officers were told the man had ingested a combination of medications. Riso and Minissale entered the room and saw the man sitting on a couch holding a large steak knife against his abdomen, according to police.
The officers began speaking with the man and called for a medical response.
According to police, the officers knew the man from previous interactions. The officers remained at a safe distance with their firearms drawn and continued to speak with the man. Sgt. Frank Mendez and Officer Shannon Foote eventually responded to the home as well.
The officers spoke with the man for 30 minutes and he relinquished the weapon. Police secured the knife and the man was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Jackson Police Capt. Steven Laskiewicz said he and the police department were proud that the actions of everyone involved in the situation prevented a fatality.
“I would like to commend these officers for their professionalism and the restraint exercised in what could have potentially been a deadly force encounter which was gratefully resolved without escalation,” Laskiewicz said. “They are an outstanding example of the department’s staff, supervisors and training cadre.”
