Sheriff’s deputies were able to safely de-escalate a situation involving a man armed with a gun who was experiencing a mental health crisis inside a house where children were near Antioch Monday morning.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a call around 9:10 a.m. Monday from a person whose loved one was in mental crisis.
The caller reported the man was armed with a firearm, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Christopher Covelli.
The caller was at home with their young children and another adult.
Sheriff’s 911 telecommunicators provided instructions for the caller and the others to exit the home to safety, which they did successfully.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home and established a perimeter.
They were able to speak with the man, who was in distress, and de-escalate the situation by utilizing Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) techniques.
Deputies spoke with him for approximately 10 minutes and were able to convince the man to exit while unarmed.
The man was evaluated by paramedics and transported to an area hospital for a mental health evaluation and to receive appropriate services.
“This is the second incident in just over a month where our deputies have been able to deescalate a potentially armed, dangerous situation involving someone experiencing a mental health crisis,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Our goal is always to keep our community safe by utilizing our skills, training, and compassion. I am proud that yet another dangerous situation was resolved without the use of force,” Idleburg said.
Sheriff’s deputies recovered three guns from the home that were seized for safekeeping.
Anyone who is struggling or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or knows someone who is can call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline where trained counselors are available 24 hours a day.