Barnstable Police are sharing new details about an incident at Barnstable High School in March

HYANNIS – The Barnstable Police Department is providing the community with an update on a serious incident that occurred in March.

On March 22, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Barnstable Police Officers were dispatched to Barnstable High School to assist the School Resource Officer with a serious mental health emergency involving a juvenile student.

The student was in significant distress and, while communicating with the SRO, fled the building and gained access to the roof, creating a tense and extremely dangerous situation. For the safety of the student, the rear area of ​​the school was strictly secured by police and emergency services personnel and a modified lockdown was ordered.

As the situation unfolded, a staff member exited the building and entered the active scene on the ground in close proximity to the student on the roof. Police ordered the employee to go back inside, but he was uncooperative and refused to comply with repeated lawful orders to return to the building, while also displaying a blatant disregard for the student’s well-being.

The unexpected intervention complicated a delicate and dangerous situation. Officers responded with immediate enforcement action to prioritize the student’s safety and prevent a possible tragic outcome.

The result of this highly dynamic situation was the successful delivery of police services during a mental health crisis. Officers orchestrated a sound tactical response that prioritized the student’s well-being. Officers are commended for their professionalism, compassion, adherence to training and de-escalation tactics, and safely transitioning the student to appropriate medical services.

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7. Call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.