Local Law Enforcement Talk Down Troubled Carlisle Woman in Standoff

CARLISLE - At approximately 11:15 am Tuesday morning, local State Police and the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office received calls concerning the welfare of a woman residing on Route 20 in the Town of Carlisle. Law enforcement personnel from both agencies responded, with State Police arriving first.

Upon their arrival on scene officers learned that the middle aged woman had poured gasoline through out the house and that she was located in the cellar, where she preceded to pour gasoline on herself as well. She was alone in the residence. 

Troopers and Deputies attempted to talk her into coming outside the residence, but she refused and then threatened to harm herself. Recognizing the potential for an explosion and fire, it was requested that fire and rescue squads be dispatched to the scene. 

Schoharie County 911 Dispatchers activated the Carlisle, Central Bridge and Esperance Fire Departments to respond, whereupon Central Bridge Fire Chief Scott Johnson assumed fire command. Chief Johnson would request additional support from the Sharon Springs and Cobleskill departments, in addition to the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad and County Fire Coordinators. 

As the situation continued to deteriorate, State Police requested the presence of negotiators and a Mobile Response Team to be brought on scene, where after hours of a contentious standoff, the woman exited her house around 2:30 PM and was transported by the Rural Metro Ambulance to Ellis Hospital for evaluation. 

Praising the work of law enforcement and emergency responders on scene, Schoharie County Sheriff Tony Desmond stated that, "what started out in a dangerous situation ended with no injuries due to the excellent cooperation of all responders."