Rather than conducting a dangerous forced entry, Fernandina Police waited patiently and obtained a court order for a mental health evaluation.
A 58 year old Fernandina resident who was despondent and threatening suicide held police at bay throughout the night and into the early afternoon.
Police responded to the residence at 224 North 2nd Street after the man’s girlfriend notified police he was holding a gun to his head threatening suicide. After his overt threat, he also posted intentions to take his life on Facebook.
Police took all precautions to protect area citizens by evacuating nearby residents, blocking traffic, and setting up a tight perimeter around the subject’s house. Police also assigned an officer to St. Michael’s Academy which was on a partial lock down throughout the incident.
The man was assured that police only wanted to aid him in obtaining medical assistance; however he refused to surrender even after speaking to his attorney, family members and friends. Rather than conducting a dangerous forced entry, police waited patiently and obtained a court order for a mental health evaluation.
After several hours of utilizing various methods of communications with the subject, he finally agreed to surrender and was taken into custody. He was then transported to a facility in Jacksonville for evaluation.
The Fernandina Beach Police Department and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this incident.
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