Authorities are hailing three sheriff’s deputies for their actions in saving a suicidal man who tried running into the path of moving vehicles in Beach Park Monday afternoon.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:30 p.m. Monday to a residence in the 38700 block of North Sheridan Road in Beach Park.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said deputies were called to assist paramedics with a man in his 20s having a bipolar episode and in a suicidal state.
The man initially spoke with paramedics but ran away from them after learning he may need to go to the hospital.
The man ran toward Sheridan Road and said, something along the lines of, “just run me over and kill me,” Covelli said.
The man tried running directly in the path of moving vehicles in an attempt to be struck by a vehicle.
“Sheriff’s deputies quickly rushed in, risking themselves getting struck by a car, and successfully escorted the man off the roadway,” Covelli said.
Members of the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) responded to provide additional support.
The man was unharmed and transported to an area hospital for a mental wellness evaluation.
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said law enforcement across the nation has seen a “tremendous increase” in the number of calls regarding people in mental distress in recent years.
Idleburg said he is very proud of deputies Rob Nakanishi, Amanda Hurtado and Leo Juarez for their quick thinking, which saved the man’s life.
“Our sheriff’s deputies always approach these situations with a calm demeanor and utilize de-escalation techniques,” Idleburg said. “Our innovative COaST team was also able to respond to provide additional support for this man in mental crisis.”