Law enforcement officials respond to disruption at state psychiatric program
Baltimore, MD (November 24, 2016) – Law enforcement officials responded to a disturbance at the Secure Evaluation Therapeutic Treatment (SETT) program in Sykesville early Thursday morning. Some of the patients at the Muncie Building had grown disorderly, causing a staffer there to call for police support just before midnight Wednesday.
Facility staffers, who had secured themselves in some rooms after the disturbance began, reported to police that the building was locked but that some patients were moving throughout it and causing damage. Springfield hospital administrators and staff worked with State Police commanders to develop a response plan to resolve the disruption while attempting to minimize further disturbance to the patients.
Shortly after 4:30 a.m., State Police tactical troopers entered the Muncie Building using a key provided by staff. Troopers did not deploy pepper spray or any other substance. The patients immediately returned to their rooms.
Troopers moved through and checked each room. The search was completed shortly after 6:30 a.m. Three patients were noncompliant and were arrested. They have been charged with second degree assault, disorderly conduct, destruction of property and resisting arrest.
One staffer sustained a minor injury, but required no hospitalization. The Muncie Building, which houses the SETT, is on the Springfield Hospital Center campus. The SETT provides psychiatric treatment to about 30 adult patients, who often have some degree of court involvement.
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