Ypsilanti has become the latest battleground in conversations about law enforcement’s interaction with mental health crises after a 30-hour standoff led local officials to urge for the dropping of charges. According to CBS News Detroit, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners expressed they were “deeply troubled” by the incident, which they say involved “a person experiencing a clear mental health crisis.” A 53-year-old man had barricaded himself inside an attic, armed at one point with a sword, before being taken into custody on January 5, with no physical injuries reported.
In the aftermath of the event, supporters and county commissioners alike are questioning the law enforcement response and the subsequent criminal charges. A community letter with substantial backing from Ypsilanti residents has called for a revision to the current response plans for such emergencies, favouring a more mental health-oriented approach. On social media, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has echoed these sentiments, joining Commissioner Somerville in advocating for the charges to be dismissed.
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