Suffern, NY — A tense situation unfolded Monday morning in the Village of Suffern as police responded to a domestic violence call involving a knife-wielding man who had allegedly threatened to kill his mother and himself.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., the Suffern Police Department received a 911 call from a Kensico Court resident who reported that her 25-year-old son was destroying property inside the home. When patrol officers arrived, they were met in the parking area by the caller, who revealed that her son had held a large knife to her throat and made threats to kill both her and himself.

The man’s father exited the residence shortly afterward and informed officers that the suspect was still inside, armed with a knife, along with his brother. Officers quickly gained access to the home and safely evacuated the brother.

The suspect then barricaded himself in the bathroom and refused to comply with officers’ repeated commands to surrender. While inside, he opened a window and made alarming threats toward officers outside, saying they would have to shoot him and threatening a violent confrontation if they attempted to enter.

A perimeter was established with assistance from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ramapo Police Department. Given the nature of the threats and the presence of a weapon, the Rockland County REACT Team (SWAT) was called to the scene.

REACT negotiators made contact with the suspect and engaged in more than two hours of active negotiations. Eventually, the man surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without injury to himself or any law enforcement personnel.

The suspect is currently being held by the Suffern Police Department and faces multiple charges, including Criminal Mischief, Menacing, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He is awaiting arraignment.

The Suffern Police Department expressed gratitude to the Rockland County REACT Team, Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland Paramedic Services, and Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps for their assistance during the standoff.

Photo by Monsey Scoop