News Release
For Release: January 27, 2010
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-962-4630

Orange Police and Firemen prevent tragedy… Prevent disoriented man from falling off roof

On Monday January 25th, at approximately 4pm, Orange Sergeant Todd Dankins and Officer Toneka Edmonds responding to a call reporting an armed robbery in an apartment at 590 McChesney Street were interviewing the person who had made the call. The caller was Kareem Williams (33) who lived in a third floor apartment.

Mr. Williams appeared very excited and nervous. During the interview, Mr. Williams bolted from his chair, ran into his room and began banging on the door, wall and floor. Sergeant Dankins asked police headquarters to send an EMS unit for assistance.

Mr. Williams then burst through his window onto the fire escape yelling and screaming. He ran up and down the fire escape then jumped onto the roof. He climbed onto the rooftop and then onto the higher roof of an adjoining building. It was raining, the roof was wet and slippery, and Mr. Williams was wearing no shoes and socks. The Orange Fire Department and police headquarters were called to assist. Mr. Williams kept repeating, “You’re not the real police. Oh my God. Oh my Jesus I’m so scared.” He refused to come off the roof.

Lt. Eric Schneider climbed onto the roof and attempted to talk him down. But Mr. Williams would not respond. Officer Erik Davis responded to the scene while off duty.  Officer Davis knows Mr. Williams from the neighborhood. Police hostage negotiator, Officer Joseph Lane arrived to assist with getting Mr. Williams down.

Mr. Williams finally complied and came down off the roof safely.  Lt. Schneider, Officer Lane, Officer Davis and Officer Carter had to secure Mr. Williams after he started to resist while going through the window. Mr. Williams was transported by ambulance to the East Orange General Hospital crisis unit without further incident.

The robbery report and the cause of Mr. Williams disorientation continue under investigation.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.

“I want to congratulate and commend the Orange Police and Fire Departments for a job well done. The officers showed skill and courage in reacting to a crisis situation. They risked their lives to save a life.“