FOND DU LAC – Fond du Lac police responded Friday afternoon, May 22, to a West Johnson Street motel for a report of a 59-year-old man in crisis who was believed to be armed with a handgun, according to the Fond du Lac Police Department.
Officers were called to the motel in the 600 block of West Johnson Street at about 2:09 p.m. They secured the area and worked to protect hotel guests, staff and nearby residents while trying to resolve the situation peacefully.
Sabish Middle School, which is near the motel, was temporarily placed on a secure hold during the response.
Fond du Lac police, crisis worker de-escalate standoff
A community response social worker made phone contact with the man and remained in touch with him for nearly an hour.
Police said the man eventually left the room unarmed and was taken into protective custody without incident.
He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and care.
The department said the case underscored the importance of crisis intervention, de-escalation and response teams that connect people with mental health support.
Police also reminded residents that help is available for people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Fond du Lac mental health crisis resources and support numbers
Officials said several services are available for people who need someone to talk to, an in-person response or a safe place to go.
Anyone in immediate danger or facing a medical emergency should call 911. Anyone having thoughts of suicide or self-harm can call the Fond du Lac County Crisis Line at 920-929-3535 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Officials said both services offer free, confidential support for suicidal, mental health and substance use crises.
People seeking the Fond du Lac Police Department co-response team can call the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center non-emergency line at 920-906-5555.
Police said no additional information would be released Friday.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Crisis worker helps resolve Fond du Lac motel standoff
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
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