As Suspect Armed With Knife And Crowbar Moved Towards Them, Officers Chose Deescalation

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A crisis that had all the makings of a tragedy was resolved, thanks in part to training that allowed a fraught situation to be deescalated in the heat of the moment.

Late Thursday night, the White Plains Police Department responded to a domestic violence call involving a suspect armed with several weapons. Police were alerted by 911 calls about a woman screaming for help on Stevens Street. As officers responded, dispatchers provided updated information indicating that a suspect was armed with a knife.

At the scene, officers encountered a man who was self- harming and advancing toward them with a knife and crowbar in his hands, in an apparent attempt to provoke lethal force "suicide by cop," according to the department.

The officers tapped their training and used deescalation tactics, according to the department. Less-lethal force was used to neutralize the threat and secure the weapons. At the same time, the officers transitioned to life-saving operations, providing critical medical aid to the suspect who had injured himself, according to WPCPD.

Other officers found the domestic violence victim, who had also been severely injured. Police at the scene also stopped what appeared to be an intentional gas leak, officials said.

The suspect faces initial charges of three counts of assault and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

Police said additional charges may be pending after consultation with the district attorney.

Investigators said it was later discovered that the suspect had recently completed his last will and testament and presented it to a family member prior to the incident.

"Our primary mission is the preservation of human life and the restoration of order, even in the face of extreme unpredictability," the department said in a statement. "We recognize that incidents of this nature are exceptionally complex and carry a significant emotional toll."

Following the disturbing incident, the department said it provided counseling resources to all of the involved personnel.

"I commend all the officers and supervisors involved in this dynamic event for their exceptional courage, resolve, and professionalism," Commissioner of Public Safety Wade C. Hardy said in a statement. "Their swift and decisive actions successfully de-escalated a dangerous situation that could have easily ended in tragedy. I have no doubt that lives were saved. This outstanding response serves as a testament to the dedication of the White Plains Police Department. It provides an excellent example for our community and a valuable training tool in our efforts towards continuous improvement."