Ypsilanti Township, MI – A mental health crisis escalated into a tense standoff and fire at an apartment complex in Ypsilanti Township on Wednesday afternoon.
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 2900 block of Roundtree Blvd around 12:44 p.m. for a wellness check. A family member had reported that their 36-year-old sibling was experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, the individual refused to open the door and then barricaded himself inside. Crisis negotiators and co-response units attempted to de-escalate the situation for several hours, but the man remained uncooperative.
During negotiations, smoke began pouring from the apartment, and a fire broke out inside. The individual moved onto the balcony, where deputies continued efforts to persuade him to come down.
With assistance from the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department, Metro SWAT, and mental health professionals, authorities were able to safely remove the man from the balcony. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.
Officials reported no injuries, and the man was transported to a local hospital. The extent of the fire damage remains unclear. The incident remains under investigation.
