Helicopter Used to Track Down Suicidal Male in Howell

For those residents of Howell and neighboring Freehold Township who were wondering about helicopters hovering overhead on Friday, the Howell Police Department is reporting that it was being used to help in the search for a suicidal person.

A 20-year-old male was reportedly threatening to cut his own neck and, according to police when he was notified that officers were responding to the scene, he and a 14-year-old female fled into the nearby woods.

Despite hiding out for several hours, police report that the officers did eventually catch up to the man. The report goes on to say that the man tried to fight off the efforts of officers before a chemical spray helped to subdue him.

After initially getting away from the police, the girl was also eventually arrested. The man is being charged with two counts of resisting arrest and assault upon law enforcement officers. Both are facing disorderly conduct and obstruction of administration of law. The girl was also charged with possession of marijuana. 

With the unusual conditions of the search, the police department received help from a variety of sources. All Terrain Vehicles, off road brush fire trucks and  two K-9 units as well as the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission's helicopter were used.

Further assistance came from the Howell Township Office of Emergency Management and the Southard and Ramtown Fire Companies as well. The additional K-9 units came from Tinton Falls and Point Pleasant Beach.