On August 7th, 2023, officers with the Perry Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and Middle Flint Behavioral Health responded to an individual that was barricaded inside of an apartment, threatening to cause harm to others with a firearm at Houston Lake Apartments, 2350 Houston Lake Drive, Perry, Georgia. It was determined shortly after officers arrived on scene the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis. A Perry Police Department negotiator along with counselors with Middle Flint Behavioral Health spoke with the individual over the phone for more than 3-hours. After numerous attempts to deescalate the situation, the individual remained barricaded in the apartment refusing to come outside. Members of Houston County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division entered the apartment after a “10-13”, or emergency transport order was obtained by Middle Flint Behavioral Health for the individual. The individual was taken into custody and assessed by medical personnel on the scene before being transported to Middle Flint Behavioral Health Center for evaluation and care.
The Perry Police Department encourages anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line: (800) 715-4225.
Georgia offers a statewide toll-free call center for individuals to access services. The call center operates 24/7 and has the capacity to screen and assess callers for intensity of service response. Individuals determined to be in immediate danger are “warm transferred” to the local 911 service in the area where the individual is located. Call center staff do not leave the call until they have confirmation that 911 responders are on site with the caller.
Any questions contact Capt. James Jones, 478-987-2812 or james.jones@perry-ga.gov.