cberger@thecherawchronicle.com
CHERAW - Julius Freeman, the person allegedly involved in a 2-hour standoff with police at the National Guard Armory in May, will enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
According to the Fourth Circuit Solicitor's Office, a mental evaluation found to Freeman, 38, to be schizophrenic.
"We sent 38-year old Julius Cecil Freeman for a mental evaluation after the incident and found him to be schizophrenic," stated Assistant Solicitor Daniel Jones. Jones also added that Freeman, of Cheraw, lacks criminal responsibility.
Freeman was arrested after he entered the armory building on the morning of May 21 and instructed a soldier to leave the building. Freeman told the soldier that he would "blow his brains out," according to police reports.
The soldier then left the building and immediately notified authorities as to what was happening.
Authorities responded and what ensued was a two-hour standoff with law enforcement. Cheraw Police Department also was at the scene as a back up and support.
"After Freeman enters his plea he will be involuntarily committed into a state mental facility for 120 days," said Jones. "At the end of the 120 days, he will be brought back before a judge who will decide to recommit him for another period of time or release him."
Freeman currently remains in the county detention center.
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