PLYMOUTH — Attempts to arrest an armed man who police said has been the subject of more than 150 township complaints in the past led to a four-hour standoff Wednesday and cancellation of a school event before the man was taken into custody.
The incident began shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to a press release from Plymouth Township Police Chief John Myrsiades. Police responded to the report of an armed emotionally disturbed male in the 400 block of Maplewood Drive. Police said the male is known to the police department and has been the subject of more than 150 incident reports since August 2022.
There are also two active criminal arrest warrants for the male, relating to recent incidents in Plymouth Township and West Norriton Township, police said.
Attempts were made to have the male and his wife exit the residence, according to police, but these attempts were unsuccessful. Shortly before 8 p.m., police entered the residence with search and arrest warrants and took the man into custody after finding him hiding in the basement.
The man was transported to a medical and mental health facility for evaluation. Criminal charges are pending, police said.
During this incident, the police department worked in close cooperation with the Colonial School District and the Central Montco Technical High School. Due to the proximity of the incident to the Colonial Middle School and the Technical High School, police quickly coordinated with officials from both schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Out of an abundance of caution, the opening reception for the Colonial Middle School annual art show was postponed.
The police department was assisted on scene by the Plymouth Community Ambulance Association and the Harmonville Fire Company.
