Man Changes Mind After Setting Suicidal, Car Fire: Marin Deputies

INVERNESS, CA –Marin County Sheriff's deputies and firefighters responded this week to a vehicle ablaze in the Inverness area of west Marin County -- but eventually gleaned information that the car fire was no accident, according to authorities.

The male motorist, found nearby by crews, initially told deputies he was driving when his car suddenly stopped, and after getting out to check the engine, the vehicle burst into flames, the agency said.

The fire was squelched by the Marin County Fire Department before it could spread to nearby vegetation, officials said.

After talking with the driver, however, deputies learned he was recently unemployed and "trying to navigate a rough patch in his life. His vehicle catching fire was no accident, but rather an attempt to take his own life," deputies said.

"Thankfully, he was able to escape, and we were able to get him to the Crisis Stabilization Unit where he can hopefully get some help and back on his feet," the agency added.

The department reminded residents that if they, or aquaintances, are having suicidal thoughts, there is always someone willing to talk at 1-800-273-8255. For more information about suicide prevention, visit: Suicide Is Preventable and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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