Deputies Successfully Take Armed, Depressed Male into Protective Custody
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies, responding to a possible suicidal person, contacted the male who was reportedly depressed and armed. During the contact, the male was not cooperative and did not follow commands. Thankfully, the Deputies worked together to successfully take the male into protective custody without anyone being injured.
On September 19, 2018, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call of a possible suicidal male at a location in south Spokane County. The male was known to carry a pistol, was reportedly depressed and stated he was going to end his life.
Not knowing if the male was armed, or intended to harm himself or others in the area, Deputies devise a plan allowing for the deployment of less-lethal alternatives in addition to lethal cover prior to making contact with the male.
They contacted the male in a garage, identified themselves as Deputies, and gave commands for him to exit the garage with his hands visible. He ignored the commands and began putting on his boots. He picked up a couple items, including a jacket, and began to walk out of the garage. Deputies could not see if he had a weapon and continued to give commands to stop, show his hands and for him to get on the ground, all of which the male ignored. He continued to walk toward Deputies and vehicles parked outside stating “(expletive) you! I’m leaving!”
Still not knowing if the male was armed and noticing he was walking toward an unsecured vehicle with its window down, Deputies feared he would try to drive away or access a weapon inside. The male was physically stopped, taken to the ground and detained without the use of less-lethal or lethal weapons.
A loaded pistol was located in the front seat of the vehicle, which was registered to the male, and could have been easily accessed through the open window. Three knives: a large knife in a sheath on his hip, a foldable pocket knife which was opened on his lower leg and another open, foldable pocket knife fell from his coat pocket and was lying on the ground next to him when he was detained.
After further investigation, the male was transported to be evaluated for his well-being and receive professional assistance, if needed. The firearm was seized for safekeeping.
Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident.
We remind everyone: if you’re feeling lost, hopeless, depressed or thinking about suicide, take a minute to contact one of the many people who want to help you. Call one of the numbers below or just walk into any emergency room, contact a Fireman, a Deputy, an Officer, your church, a family member or friend and simply say, “I need your help.”
509-838-4428 First Call for Help
1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255, press 1 VA Suicide Hotline
9-1-1
