Chemicals deployed to evacuate suspect allegedly self-harming in a camper

Henry County Sheriff’s Office reported using chemicals to evacuate a 31-year-old Bassett man who refused to surrender.

This morning, at about 1 a.m., HCSO and Patrick County Sheriff’s Office both responded to a call about a disturbance on Morningside Drive in Bassett. According to HCSO, the deputies discovered that Jonathan Robert Forcier, who lived at the address, assaulted his wife and a male who had run away from the scene before police arrived.

When deputies approached the camper, Forcier got a knife, threatened the officers, and made statements about harming himself, HCSO reported. He barricaded himself inside the camper on the property, and although deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, they were reportedly unsuccessful.

According to HCSO, Forcier began to cut his arm and leg prompting the deputies to call in the Henry County SWAT Team and Crisis Negations Team.

Efforts to negotiate continued for several hours, but “it became evident that Mr. Forcier was not willing to peacefully surrender,” said HCSO. So the SWAT team deployed chemical munitions into the camper. This was done “to prevent further escalation,” according to HCSO.

After the chemicals were deployed, Forcier came out the of the camper and was taken into custody. He was then transported to SOVA Health of Martinsville for treatment of his self-inflicted injuries, HCSO stated.

After his release from the hospital, Forcier was taken to the Henry County Adult Detention Center where he is currently being held without bond for the charge of assault and battery against a family member.

HCSO said his wife’s injuries were minor and did not require medical attention.

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