Ypsilanti man barricades during mental health crisis, causes fire

A man in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, barricaded himself inside his apartment on March 19 during a mental health crisis. Police from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 12:45 p.m. for a wellness check on the 36-year-old man. The man refused to open the door and stayed inside for several hours. During this time, negotiations were attempted by the police. Smoke began to rise from the apartment, and a fire eventually broke out. The man then moved to the balcony, where negotiations continued. Police managed to remove him from the balcony, and the fire was put out. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, the fire caused about $75,000 in damage, affecting just one apartment. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident involved support from various agencies, including Metro SWAT, the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department, and mental health professionals. The situation is currently under investigation.