New Brighton police find help for man heavily-armed with replica guns

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“If you need us we are here to help.”

That’s the message from police in New Brighton, Minnesota after officers confronted a man with body armor, a rifle and a handgun Sunday afternoon on the 500 block of 23rd Avenue NW.

Emergency dispatchers received an additional call that the rifle was a replica but the handgun was real and the man had already fired one shot. Officers later determined the handgun was an airsoft type gun. Officers negotiated with the man and were able to get him to drop his weapons. (Images of the weapons confiscated by police are attached to this story.)

“The male stated he wanted to commit suicide by cop and had been planning and preparing for three weeks for us to shoot him,” the New Brighton Police Department shared in a Facebook post. “He was transported to a local hospital to receive some much needed help.

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