Police: Westport man accused of assaulting officers

WESTPORT — Police say a local man has been charged with assaulting officers after struggling with them during a mental health emergency.

The incident occurred Jan. 6 when a family member called police to report that the man, identified as 22-year-old Alex Silver, was “acting erratically,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

Responding officers found Silver locked in his bedroom and, while talking through the door, determined he was “having some sort of mental health emergency,” according to police. Officers eventually were able to enter the bedroom and found Silver in his bathroom.

“While speaking with Mr. Silver and attempting to escort him out of the bathroom, he began swinging at officers and a struggle ensued,” police said. “Officers were able to subdue Mr. Silver and he was eventually transported to a local hospital.”

“Officers sustained minor injuries to their faces and upper bodies during the struggle,” police said.

Police issued a warrant charging Silver with two counts of assault on a public safety employee. He turned himself in to police on Thursday and was later released on a $50,000 bond, police said.

Lt. Eric Woods said officers are trained in crisis intervention and “utilize this specialized training when dealing with mental health calls for service.”

Police also work with the town's Human Services Department

and provide referrals for the agency to follow up. Police reach out to the department during normal business hours with a regional mobile crisis, “but unfortunately, they only work during daytime hours and we find ourselves dealing with these types of calls for service at all hours of the day and night,” Woods said.

Silver is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on March 9.

Those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national helpline at 800662-HELP (4357) for a free and confidential treatment referral or for more information.

The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services also has a helpline that can link individuals to residential detox and other services. The helpline can be reached at 800-563-4086.