How Harrison Police Ended An Armed Standoff Peacefully

HARRISON, NY - A fraught situation involving an armed suspect ended after officers managed to convince the man to surrender peacefully after a six-hour-long conversation.

Police Chief John Vasta praised the officers at the scene for their patience and for relying on well-honed training for just this sort of incident. The domestic incident early Friday morning could have had a much different result if not for the professionalism of the members of the force who responded, he said.

“I commend our officers for their professionalism, implementation of crisis intervention training, and their forward thinking to remove the other occupants to avoid possible harm to bystanders,” Vasta said. “I am also grateful for the assistance of the Westchester County Police.”

Harrison police officers Carney and Forgione were called to a home in the Brentwood section of downtown Harrison just before 6:30 a.m., responding to a reported domestic dispute. A family member who was outside the home told the officers that his brother was inside with knives in his hand, and not acting like himself, police said. The brother outside the home reportedly told cops that he was concerned for the safety of other family members inside the home.

The two police officers began a dialogue with the man in the home. The officers managed to convince him to drop the knives, but the house was locked and the man refused to come outside to speak to the cops.

The Harrison Police Department eventually called Westchester County Police. The county police department was able to provide the assistance with its crisis negotiators and special response team.

Negotiators were able to convince the suspect inside the house to allow family members to leave the home without any interference.

After hours of speaking to the man through the door, Harrison Police Officers Carney and Forgione convinced him to leave the home. The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was taken into custody without incident and brought to an area hospital for medical evaluation.