Officer Talks Armed Man Out of Barricade in Crisfield

Princess Anne, MD - A Princess Anne police officer helped bring a tense standoff to a peaceful end last week in Crisfield, Maryland, after talking an armed and suicidal man out of a residence without anyone getting hurt.

Corporal Schwemlein of the Princess Anne Police Department responded to the City of Crisfield on May 20, 2026, to assist the Crisfield Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. The situation involved a suicidal individual who had barricaded himself inside a home and was armed with a knife.

By the time Corporal Schwemlein arrived, the situation had already become dangerous. The subject's behavior was unpredictable and his mental state was deteriorating rapidly. Authorities were considering calling in a tactical response team.

Corporal Schwemlein is trained in hostage negotiations, Crisis Intervention Team response, and de-escalation techniques. She immediately made contact with the individual and began talking with him in a calm and direct way.

Over time, she was able to build enough trust to move the conversation to a cell phone call. That connection made the difference.

The man eventually walked out of the residence on his own and surrendered peacefully. No one was injured, including the subject, the officers, or anyone else on scene.

The Princess Anne Police Department praised Corporal Schwemlein and all officers who invest in professional training focused on de-escalation and crisis management. The department also recognized every agency involved for their teamwork throughout the incident.

"Encounters involving individuals in crisis require patience, compassion, professionalism, and sound judgment," the department said in a statement. "Qualities that our officers strive to demonstrate every day while serving our communities."