CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — On Monday, authorities responded to a distressing incident at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, involving a man who was threatening suicide with a knife.
Upon arrival at the medical center, multiple Adena security officers were observed tailing the individual (whose name has been withheld for privacy), who was wearing a red shirt, as he moved through the parking lot towards the Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center parking area. The man, law enforcement officials said, was visibly carrying an open knife in his left hand.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers also arrived on the scene. The trooper, reports state, drew his Taser while a Ross County deputy unholstered his firearm for lethal coverage.
Despite repeated commands from both officers to drop the knife, the man continued to advance through the parking lot, showing no compliance. Troopers, officials said, issued a final warning, stating that if the man did not relinquish the weapon, he would be tased. When the individual failed to comply, troopers deployed their Taser, with one probe striking the man in the right elbow. Subsequently, causing him to drop the knife.
The man was then handcuffed without further incident.
Medics were requested to transport the man to the Adena Emergency Room. Deputies, reports state, completed a pink slip for the incident. The knife was seized by authorities and placed into evidence for secure storage.
For anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
