Man sets apartment ablaze during standoff in Washtenaw County

Deputies from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check for a 36-year-old man on March 19. The man was reported to be experiencing mental health issues. When deputies arrived at his apartment in the 2900 block of Roundtree Blvd. at around 12:44 p.m., they made contact with him. However, he soon barricaded himself inside and refused to communicate. Authorities called in the hostage crisis negotiation team to help. Despite their efforts, the man did not cooperate. At one point during the standoff, he set his apartment on fire and then exited the building. The fire department and a special response team safely took him into custody. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, including his. Sheriff's officials stated they are still investigating the man’s mental health status. The fire caused significant damage, and the apartment is considered a total loss. Sheriff Commander Eugene Rush expressed relief that the situation ended safely and hopes the man receives the help he needs.