Residents of Aurora, Illinois, were asked to shelter in place on Tuesday as police responded to a mental health crisis. The incident, which lasted for over five hours, prompted the deployment of the Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Response Team to the Manor Homes of Spring Lake.
The Aurora Police Department initially responded to the community located on Springlake Lane around 1 p.m. to provide assistance to an individual in crisis. As a precautionary measure, officers asked the public to avoid the area and urged nearby residents to shelter in place.
During the incident, officers were seen using tactical shields while escorting families to their condo units. David Contreras, a resident of the area, expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s been a long day. I’m trying to get home. We’ll see what they say if I can even get in my house.”
After hours of negotiations, the individual involved surrendered to Aurora police at approximately 6:35 p.m. The Crisis Intervention Unit will continue to provide support to this individual.
Police have clarified that no crime occurred during the incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, neighbors familiar with the home and the residents involved hope that the condo association will conduct further investigations to ensure the community’s overall safety.
The situation caused widespread disruption in the neighborhood as residents were barred from entering their homes for more than five hours. However, authorities expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the community in following their instructions during the incident.
The Aurora Police Department had stated that they remained committed to resolving the crisis with a peaceful outcome. Concerned neighbors, who have never witnessed such an event before, expressed their shock at the situation. Meanwhile, officers worked diligently to bring the situation to a safe conclusion for all involved. After the situation was resolved, residents resumed their normal activities, including entering and leaving their homes.