Updated January 14, 2026, 8:38 am
A police standoff with an Ypsilanti resident continues to receive community pushback.
Prior to the standoff, three separate 911 calls were made to Washtenaw Metro Dispatch concerning Ruben Peeler. Each time, the Ypsilanti Police Department was dispatched to the scene.
On January 4, when Peeler threatened officers with a sword, Ypsilanti Police Chief Tim Anderson says his officers made the right decision to set up a perimeter and call for assistance. That's when Metro SWAT/Crisis Negotiation Teams were called in.
“I don’t know that mistakes were made. Based on the information, I think that that was pretty much a textbook in terms of law enforcement callout. He was armed with a sword. And information received, I think officers were acting in good faith.”
Anderson says his department will reflect on the tactical decisions used and how to improve mental health services for people before law enforcement has to get involved. In the meantime he joins the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office in asking the public for patience while an accurate review of the incident, including all video footage, is compiled.
“Everybody seems to be pointing the finger. I think we don’t want to lose focus because it's a terrible situation all around and I think this is an opportunity for us to really look at trying to improve mental health service for people and before law enforcement ever has to get involved.”
The multi-agency response included professionals from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health through their role with Metro SWAT/Crisis Negotiation Teams. In a statement Monday the Washtenaw Metro Dispatch clarified that requests for CMH assistance are made by officers on scene, based on real-time assessments.
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