A Mental Health Crisis Turns Dangerous at CARS, IPD and TCMH De-Escalate Situation

Yesterday, someone experiencing a mental health criss and wielding a knife briefly occupied the lobby Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS) building in downtown Ithaca.

The Ithaca Police Department responded to the scene. IPD says that the man was threatening people inside CARS with the blade and destroying property in the building.

The Ithaca Voice reports that the front door of the CARS building was covered by a board with the words, “Hail Satan,” spray painted on it.

The incident took place at approximately 12:15pm. 

Police report that the person’s mental health was visibly impaired. Along with responders from the Tompkins County Mental Health, Police were able to de-escalate the situation after a quote “prolonged dialogue.” 

No one is reported injured.

The person was taken into custody, and transported to an unspecified hospital.