Forks Township Police helped to talk a man out of his home Wednesday evening after he had threatened to blow up the neighborhood, according
to police reports.

Jeffrey Matthews, 42, of 4205 Shadowstone Dr. had barricaded himself in his home and released the gas line from an appliance, letting fumes enter the house.

Police report that Matthews talked about “striking a match and taking all of them with him.”

Forks police and the State Police responded at 2:08 p.m. to a call to check on the welfare of Matthews. Itwas reported to police that he had threatened to hurt himself. 

When police arrived, they noticed a strong odor of natural gas.

Five homes were evacuated and officers, with the help of UGI Utilities, turned off the gas during the standoff.

The State Police Community Response Team escorted Matthews out of his home at about 7 p.m. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Forks Townhip Police were also assisted by Palmer Township Police, Wilson PD, Northampton County EMA, Suburban EMS and the Forks Township Fire Department.