NEWS RELEASE:

On Feb. 7, 2018, at approximately 12:51 pm, the Galion Police Department received a call of a possible suicidal male with a weapon at 508 Second Ave.  The call advised that a 73-year-old male was despondent, had access to a weapon and was contemplating committing suicide.

Officers of the Galion Police Department responded to the residence and attempted to make phone contact. We were not able to make contact initially and then received additional information that the male was not going to exit the house to speak with us.

Based upon the information given to our department, the Crawford County Special Response Team was activated and a hostage/barricade negotiator from the Bucyrus Police Department was asked to come to the scene.

Shortly before 2:30 pm, a family member came out of the residence and advised where in the house the despondent male was located. Members of the SRT Team made entry into the residence and were able to make contact with the despondent male without incident. No weapons were located in the residence.

The 73-year-old male was transported to Galion Community Hospital by the Galion EMS where he was being evaluated.

“We took every precaution to assure the safety of our officers, involved persons inside the residence and the neighborhood. Ultimately, the gentleman was safely transported to the hospital and all officers at the scene were safe.”