The individual was having some medical problems and wanted to end their life.
Telecommunicator Patti Yandle of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office was able to make contact with the person by telephone and talk with him about his situation.
“Patti showed a tremendous amount of compassion for this individual and their situation”. “She had the person talking with her about their situation and actually laughing at one point”. “Patti was able to help defuse the situation in a very caring and professional manner. I am very proud of her as I am all my employees who do a great job on a daily basis”’ said Sheriff Jim McVicker.”
Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to locate this individual in the Tar Heel area of Bladen County at Lock and Dam #1 and resolve this incident without any harm to the person involved. The individual was transported by Bladen County EMS to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville where they were evaluated and treated for their condition.
A Mossberg .12 gauge shotgun was found in the vehicle by deputies when they arrived on the scene. The weapon was loaded and secured by deputies.
“These situations are very deadly for our deputies, because sometimes the individual wants to commit “suicide by cop”. This is when the individual will threaten the officer with their weapon and try to get the officer to shoot them instead of committing suicide”, said Sheriff McVicker.
“It was just a great job by our Telecommunicator that this situation was able to come to an end without harm to anyone”. “Mental health disorders in this country are at an all time high and suicide is a leading cause of death, we need to look out for our citizens in any way we can to help them resolve
these issues”, said Sheriff McVicker.
September is National Suicide Prevention month. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts you may dial 911 or call 1-800-273-8255(TALK).
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