Alleged suicidal man Tased by police

Wed, 04/22/2015 - 10:30am

Story Location:
Richardson Street
Bath, ME
United States

A 36-year-old Bath man was subdued via Taser on April 17 after he allegedly threatened Bath police officers.

According to a release from Bath Police Chief Mike Field, Bath Police Sgt. Dan Couture and Officer Mark Steele responded to a Richardson Street home after a report of a suicidal man at the residence. According to the same release, the man was known to Bath police.

Sagadahoc County Sheriff Sgt. Dale Hamilton was called in to assist, due to the reported agitation level of the suspect. Sagadahoc County Communications reported that the man had allegedly injured himself with a knife; a perimeter was set up where officers could see the man, but he reportedly didn't appear to have any injuries.

The man allegedly said he would be confrontational to police and once he left the Richardson Street house he reportedly began yelling at the officers. According to Sagadahoc Communications, he repeatedly said that if anyone came at him “it would not be pretty,” and stated that he didn't like police and that he would hurt any officers who attempted to come into his house.

Hamilton then reportedly used his Taser on the man, who then dropped the knife and was promptly handcuffed and sent into protective custody. He was eventually sent to Mid Coast Hospital for evaluation.

“This obviously was another tense situation that thankfully ended well for everyone involved, including the male who now will hopefully get the help he needs,” Field wrote in a release. “I would like to also commend the Sagadahoc County Communications Center for keeping the officers on scene well informed.”

As of Wednesday, April 22, it was unknown whether or not the suspect would be charged with a crime. Field said in a phone interview that the case would be reviewed with the district attorney before any charges were levied.

This was the second suicidal stand-off situation in Bath within the last two months: in February, Bath police arrested a 41-year-old man at Waterfront Park after he allegedly fired a shot. Eventually the subject in that case surrendered and was taken into protective custody.

The man in that case was never charged; Field said he was able to work something out and the man received help.