Men Hospitalized After Hours-Long Negotiation In Middletown: PD

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Two men were hospitalized for psychiatric evaluations after an hours-long negotiation that prompted a response from the Middletown Police Department’s SWAT Team on Thursday, according to officials.

The situation began unfolding around 12 noon when police responded to the area of 92 Cynthia Lane at the request of the Mobile Crisis unit. Mobile Crisis personnel said they were trying to evaluate two men who have a “history of aggression,” according to Lt. Brian Hubbs.

Area residents were evacuated about an hour later after the men threatened to burn down the condominium, Hubbs said.

The Middletown Police SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiators were requested and responded to the scene. Negotiators remained in contact with the two men and one left the residence around 6:30 p.m. without incident, according to Hubbs.

The man was taken to Middlesex Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, Hubbs said. Negotiators remained in contact with the second man.

Then, at about 9:10 p.m., the second man left the residence without incident and was taken to Hartford Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

“Due to the continued patience and efforts by the Middletown SWAT team, alongside Middletown and FBI negotiators, this incident ended peacefully with no injuries,” Hubbs said.

Hubbs said there were no immediate threats to area residents and Cynthia Lane reopened on Thursday night. The men’s names weren’t released because they appeared to be suffering from a mental health or medical emergency, according to Hubbs.