Coordinated Response Leads to Peaceful Resolution in Mental Health Emergency
By Dolores Quintana
At approximately 8:05 a.m. on September 4, 2023, West Los Angeles Los Angeles Police Department patrol officers responded to a radio call reporting an “Attempt Suicide” incident located at the intersection of Club View Drive and Comstock Avenue. Upon arrival at the scene, officers engaged with the distressed individual who had stepped out of his vehicle while holding a firearm to his head, clearly in the midst of a mental health crisis.
A coordinated response involving West Los Angeles officers, the Mental Evaluation Unit, and the Crisis Negotiation Team ensued, with dedicated efforts to persuade the individual to relinquish his weapon and surrender peacefully. After several hours of negotiations, the subject complied, surrendering his firearm and subsequently being taken into custody. He was subsequently placed under a mental evaluation hold by the Mental Evaluation Unit.
The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics provided immediate medical attention and transported the subject for treatment, addressing self-inflicted superficial wounds. Following the resolution of the incident, the subject’s vehicle was released to his family, while his registered firearm was logged at the West Los Angeles station.
Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information regarding this incident to reach out to the West Los Angeles Community Police Station at (310) 444-0701. For inquiries during non-business hours or weekends, please direct your calls to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Individuals who prefer to remain anonymous can contact the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
