South Pasadena Police officers yesterday successfully disarmed an apparently suicidal man who was holding a large kitchen knife, allowing him to be transported for medical care.
On April 17th at 2:54 p.m., South Pasadena Police officers were called to the 1600 block of Amberwood Drive in response to a suicidal subject. The subject told his family members that he had consumed numerous pills and slit his wrists.
Officers arrived within two minutes, found the subject’s apartment locked, and received no answer at the door. After several attempts to gain access into the apartment, officers forced entry and found an adult male in the rear bedroom, laying on a bed and holding a large kitchen knife to his throat. Officers observed the subject was bleeding from his wrists and appeared to be pushing the knife further into his neck.
Officers asked the subject several times to put down the knife and talk with them. The subject insisted on taking his life and told the officers he had taken approximately 90 pills.
Officers continued talking and building a rapport with the subject. Eventually the subject was distracted and officers were able to use a six-foot prying tool to knock the knife out of his hands and gain control of his arms.
Officers immediately began first-aid until paramedics entered the apartment and provided medical attention. The subject was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
“The officers showed tremendous restraint in an incident that presented both tactical and safety dilemmas,” said Captain Brian Solinsky. “The officers saw an opportunity to knock the knife away, which prevented the suspect from taking his own life or hurting someone else. The officers used the utmost restraint while bringing the situation to a successful conclusion.”
