Crisis Resolved Peacefully
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Release Date/Time: 8/31/2021 10:01 AM Yesterday at 8:16 am, officers responded to a disturbance at a hotel in the 500 block of Work St. During the investigation they found out thatGerome Williams (41), has been living at the hotel with his wife, his children, and his sister for over a year. He has been unable to pay for the room and the hotel has asked Williams to pay or move out. Williams received a letter indicating they need to vacate by the 31st. Yesterday morning he was upset and threatened the employees in the lobby and threatened to kill anyone who shows up at his door on the 31st. During the argument in front of the hotel, the manager (57) was punched twice in the head by Williams resulting in a large laceration to his face. Officers arrived on scene for what they thought was a medical call. While an officer provided first aid to the manager, Williams walked out of the lobby toward the officer, holding a sheathed fixed 4" bladed knife in his hand. He then placed one hand on the sheath and the other holding the knife's handle indicating his intent to draw the weapon. The officer backed away, increased the distance, and gave Williams instructions to drop the weapon. Another officer arrived on scene and they were able to divide Williams' attention between both officers. The officers de-escalated further, transitioned to taser and Williams fell to the ground with the knife on his lap. A second taser deployment was effective and Williams was placed under arrest. Williams was booked into county on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. His family was offered relocation resources. This high-risk confrontation could have ended differently. When encountering these situations, Salinas PD officers are trained in crisis intervention techniques and de-escalation techniques. The objective is always a peacefully resolution. Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera 
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222 Lincoln Avenue