SOUTH PORTLAND – A “mental-health emergency” at the corner of Broadway and Margaret Street in South Portland ended peaceably Thursday evening when a knife-wielding subject obeyed police commands to disarm.

According to Sgt. Thomas Simonds of the South Portland Police Department, a white male in his mid-50s was seen “waving knives” behind at apartment complex at the corner.

“He put down the weapons. Nobody was hurt and he’s now getting the help he needs,” said Simonds, adding that while nearby residents “were scared” nobody was directly threatened by the man.

Because the matter involves a mental health issue, and because no charges have yet been filed, Simonds declined to release the man’s name, what hospital the man was taken to, or whether the man’s outburst may have been fueled by drug or alcohol consumption, citing health privacy laws.

“With HIPPA regulations, there’s really not a lot we can say,” said Simonds.