​Middlesex Man Sets Room On Fire, Threatens Cops During Mental Health Crisis

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Three Monroe Township police officers are being praised for their actions after rescuing a man from a burning bedroom during a mental health emergency that turned life-threatening.

On May 17, Sergeant Justin Caruso and Officers Wesley Panckeri and Marc Kramer responded to a residence for a welfare check. Once there, they encountered an uncooperative man in the midst of a mental health crisis.

The man barricaded himself in a bedroom and repeatedly threatened to harm the officers if they attempted to enter, police said. The three officers attempted to de-escalate the situation through dialogue while maintaining a safe distance.

They then equipped themselves with protective shields and Taser devices as a precaution, but continued their efforts to communicate with the distressed individual, police said.

The officers soon saw smoke coming from the bedroom. Faced with the immediate threat to the man's life, the officers made the decision to breach the door, police said.

Inside the smoke-filled room, they discovered the man armed with a knife. Using their training and protective equipment, the officers successfully subdued him with a shield and carried him to safety from the burning room.

The officers initially attempted to extinguish the flames themselves using a fire extinguisher, but the blaze required the expertise of the Monroe Township Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services to fully contain.

The rescued man was taken to a local hospital for both medical treatment and psychological evaluation. All three officers were also taken to the hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure and were released the same day.

"This incident highlights the bravery, compassion, and professionalism of our officers," Police Chief Griffin Banos said. " Despite the dangers they faced, they remained calm, made sound decisions under pressure, and ultimately saved a life. I am incredibly proud of their actions."

The chief also recognized the collaborative effort that made the rescue possible, extending gratitude to the Monroe Township Fire Department and Monroe Emergency Medical Services for their rapid response and assistance at the scene.

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