by Daniel Duric, for the Newport Dispatch
NEWARK, VT — State Police arrested a Massachusetts man early Sunday after he allegedly threatened troopers with an axe and chainsaw during a mental health crisis.
James O’Meara, 40, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, was taken into custody at a residence on Newark Street following an hours-long standoff.
Police responded to the residence at 2:10 a.m. for a report of a man experiencing a mental health crisis at a relative’s home.
Upon arrival, troopers learned O’Meara had been showing escalating signs of aggression and breaking items inside the residence, where he was alone.
O’Meara briefly emerged from the residence and threatened troopers in the driveway, attempting to approach them with both an axe and a running chainsaw, police said.
Troopers maintained distance in accordance with Statewide Use of Force Policy as O’Meara returned to the residence.
O’Meara was taken into custody hours later without incident.
He was transported to the State Police barracks in St. Johnsbury for processing and charged with three counts of attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threatening.
O’Meara was held at the Northeast Regional Correction Facility without bail.
He is scheduled to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court – Criminal Division on Monday.