AMBER Alert ends with quick arrest, safe recovery in Burnsville, Minn.
BURNSVILLE, Minn. (KMSP) - An overnight AMBER Alert has been canceled. Two young boys kidnapped by their father were found after a traffic stop in Burnsville, Minn. shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday.
Police said 27-year-old Jay Ernst attempted to commit suicide by carbon monoxide with his boys, ages 2 and 4, inside the car at their Lakeville, Minn. home.Police were called to the house after a family member found Ernst and the children sitting inside of a running car in a closed garage. A hose was connected to the exhaust pipe and routed inside of the car.
Ernst fled before police arrived, triggering the AMBER Alert just before 4:30 a.m. Thursday. The alert was canceled just after 5 a.m. when police stopped Ernst’s car at the bottom of the County Road 42 ramp from Interstate 35.
The initial investigation determined Ernst has made suicidal statements to family members in recent days. Ernst could face attempted murder charges.
Help is available
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. The hotline has trained staff available 24/7 to help those in crisis. Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:
- Talking about wanting to die; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain, being a burden to others
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
What you can do
If you believe someone is at risk of suicide:
- Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their heads, or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.)
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
- Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
- If possible, do not leave the person alone.
Resources
http://www.actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/NSSP