Authorities take Nicholas Cassillo into custody after a high-tension ten-hour standoff in Cairo, New York

Cairo, New York – A tense standoff between law enforcement and a suicidal man ended after 10 hours on March 21, 2025. New York State Police, responding to a distress call, took 42-year-old Nicholas Cassillo of Round Top, NY, into custody after a prolonged negotiation effort.

The situation unfolded around 3:18 p.m. when troopers from the Catskill and Coxsackie barracks were dispatched to a residence on Blackhead Mountain Road in Cairo. Upon their arrival, they encountered Cassillo, who immediately became aggressive. Authorities say he wielded a large knife and a metal object, using them to threaten officers. During the confrontation, Cassillo also caused damage to a trooper’s vehicle before barricading himself inside his home.

Recognizing the volatility of the situation, crisis negotiators from the Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) were called in. For nearly 10 hours, they attempted to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue. Law enforcement officials remained patient and persistent, working to bring the standoff to a peaceful resolution. After prolonged discussions, Cassillo ultimately agreed to exit the residence and surrendered without further incident.

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Following his arrest, Cassillo was charged with multiple felonies, including two counts of Menacing a Police Officer, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree, and one count of Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree. He was arraigned in the Town of Cairo Court and subsequently remanded to the Greene County Jail.

The response to the incident involved multiple agencies, including the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Forest Rangers. Their coordinated efforts ensured the safety of everyone involved while securing Cassillo’s surrender without injury.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the initial distress call. However, the incident underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises. State police emphasized the importance of crisis negotiation in resolving such high-risk situations peacefully.

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No officers were injured during the standoff, though the damage to the police vehicle remains under investigation. Officials have not disclosed whether Cassillo has a prior criminal history or if he will face additional charges.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of police work and the importance of trained crisis response teams. The New York State Police commended the negotiators for their patience and expertise in defusing the situation without resorting to force.

As Cassillo awaits further legal proceedings, the community remains on edge, reflecting on an intense situation that could have ended much differently. Authorities continue to urge individuals struggling with mental health issues to seek help before situations escalate to dangerous levels.