Police subdue armed man w/ bean bags
Spokane police saved the life of a suicidal man on Sunday who was armed with a knife.
The 32-year-old man's family had left the location near 1500 E. Pacific Ave. because they were concerned for their safety, police said.
Officers arrived about 7:50 p.m. and the man exited the home with a knife to his throat and told police he wanted to die. He refused their commands and advanced on officers with the knife before they shot him with several bean bag rounds and he dropped the weapon, police say.
The man was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. He commended officers at the hospital, saying “You were trying to save my life without taking my life," according to a news release.
"This is an example of a potentially lethal encounter which police face," according to a news release. "Officers were able to use several of their “less-lethal” tools in this situation to take control of the scene without anyone being seriously injured."
The National Suicide Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). More information on suicide prevention is available through the Spokane Regional Health District.