Peaceful Resolution Achieved After 16-Hour Standoff with Armed Individual Experiencing Mental Health Crisis in Carlsbad
Above: Carlsbad PD Vehicle | Courtesy of CPD
CARLSBAD, Calif. – August 4, 2023 — A tense 16-hour standoff between law enforcement and an armed individual undergoing a mental health emergency reached a peaceful conclusion at 11:28 a.m., marking a successful effort by the Carlsbad Police to de-escalate the situation. The incident unfolded in Carlsbad’s Loker Avenue West area, causing temporary closures and disruptions to businesses and local traffic.
Authorities were initially alerted to the distressing situation on Thursday evening when reports surfaced about an individual in distress within a parking lot along Loker Avenue West, situated just north of Palomar Airport Road.
Carlsbad Police swiftly responded, creating a perimeter around the individual who was located inside a vehicle in the public parking lot. The police took extensive measures to ensure public safety while specially trained crisis negotiators worked diligently to engage with the individual.
In accordance with the City of Carlsbad Police Department’s de-escalation policy, which was developed in consultation with community members and aligned with the countywide de-escalation policy implemented in June 2020, law enforcement employed techniques aimed at preserving human life and fostering peaceful resolutions.
This incident highlighted the value of de-escalation training, especially when dealing with individuals in mental health crises.
Chief Mickey Williams of the Carlsbad Police expressed gratitude to the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the ordeal. The closure of Loker Avenue West from Palomar Airport Road to just west of El Fuerte Street was a necessary precaution taken by authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
“Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of everyone involved,” stated Chief Williams. “This incident underscores the significance of our de-escalation policy and the commitment of our officers to achieving peaceful outcomes.”
In collaboration with partners such as the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oceanside Police Department, the Carlsbad Police Department was able to successfully negotiate a peaceful surrender.
The individual, a 54-year-old male, was later transported to a local area hospital for assessment and care. Due to medical privacy laws, the individual’s identity is not being disclosed.
Throughout the course of the incident, Carlsbad Police crisis negotiators remained focused on resolving the situation without harm to anyone involved. While there was no immediate threat to the public, authorities urged residents to avoid the area during the course of the standoff. The successful resolution highlighted the effectiveness of collaborative efforts, de-escalation techniques, and a commitment to preserving life in challenging circumstances.
For more information, please contact:
Lieutenant Darbie Ernst, 442-339-2139 or Darbie.Ernst@carlsbadca.gov
Police media contact:
Denise Ramirez, Public Information Officer, 442-339-5647 or denise.ramirez@carlsbadca.gov
UPDATE Aug. 4, 10 a.m.
Police Crisis Negotiators Successfully Resolve Incident
As the police crisis negotiators continued their dedicated efforts to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion, the public was reassured that there was no immediate threat. However, authorities urged residents to avoid the area as Loker Avenue West remained temporarily closed from Palomar Airport Road to 2762 Loker Avenue West. The safety of all parties involved remained the top priority.
ORIGINAL STORY Aug. 4, 6 a.m.
Carlsbad Police took swift action to temporarily close Loker Avenue West from Palomar Airport Road to El Fuerte Street as they responded to a person experiencing a mental health crisis, who was believed to be armed. As a precautionary measure, businesses along Loker Avenue West, stretching from Palomar Airport Road to 2762 Loker Avenue West, were temporarily closed to ensure public safety.
The initial response occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Thursday after reports emerged of an individual in distress within an office building parking lot on Loker Avenue West. While there was no immediate threat to the public, police crisis negotiators immediately commenced efforts to peacefully resolve the situation. Authorities urged the public to steer clear of the affected area to facilitate the ongoing operation.
