Suicidal subject subdued without harm

On Nov. 10, officers responded to an address on Mott Street in reference to a suicidal subject at the house.

When officers arrived, they learned there was already a court order for the woman to be transported for a mental health evaluation. Also, a man at the house said the woman had barricaded herself in a bedroom and was possibly armed with a knife.

Officers spent about 15 minutes talking to the woman through the bedroom door trying to get her to come out. At one point, she opened the door and it was clear she had something in her hand and that she had laid a mattress against the inside of the door.

When she finally slammed the door and refused to come out, officers kicked the door in and took her into custody after a short struggle. The woman was screaming that she was going to set herself on fire and after she was taken into custody they found she had a torch that she was using to try to light her clothing on fire.

The holidays can be an especially stressful time, especially for those suffering from mental illness. This was a scenario that could have ended very badly and we are fortunate that neither the woman nor any of the officers were hurt in the process of the arrest.

If you know anyone suffering from mental illness that is having feelings of self-harm, please call the national suicide hotline at (800)273-8255.