A man experiencing an apparent mental health crisis was taken into custody by Greene County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Greensboro Police Department officers late Sept. 1.
According to Greene County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, deputies and officers responded to the Holiday Lodge at 2470 Old Eatonton Rd. regarding a barricaded man identified as Keith Ackerman, who was staying in Room 104. Once on scene, Sgt. Will Smith was informed that Ackerman was armed with a knife and threatening to harm himself.
Greensboro Police Chief Rodricus Monford and Harrison attempted to speak with Ackerman to de-escalate the situation and persuade him to come out of the room without the weapon. However, Ackerman was extremely agitated and refused to come out or allow officers into the room.
Given the urgent circumstances and Ackerman’s refusal to communicate and comply, officers decided to force entry into the room, according to Harrison.
Monford then broke the rear window of the room from outside as a diversion while officers and deputies forced entry from the hallway.
Lt. Cedric Thornton, Lt. Ray Harris, and Smith quickly took down and restrained Ackerman.
Smith secured Ackerman in handcuffs behind his back. Greene County EMS then transported Ackerman to St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment and a mental health evaluation.
No charges were filed against Ackerman in connection with the incident.