Officers Stop Man From Lighting Self On Fire: Petaluma Police

PETALUMA, CA— Petaluma police officers were able to prevent a man from lighting himself on fire in an apparent attempt to take his own life Tuesday night, according to the Petaluma Police Department. The incident began at about 6:07 p.m. when officers were dispatched to Petaluma Valley Hospital.

Police were told a man had entered the emergency department waiting room with a container of gasoline and threatened to light himself on fire.

The man had already left the waiting room when officers arrived, but was found sitting at a nearby picnic table — with a container of gasoline and a lighter next to him, police said.

Officers spoke with the man while maintaining their distance, but he reportedly grew agitated and poured gasoline on himself.

He told officers "he intended to light himself on fire as he was tired of dealing with his mental illness," police said.

He then lit a cigarette and began to smoke it as officers continued talking with him, police said.

After about 10 minutes, the officers convinced the man to put out the cigarette; seizing the opportunity, offices took the man into custody so he would not have another chance to light himself on fire, police said.

No one was injured, and the man was transported to the Sonoma County Crisis Stabilization Unit for treatment, police said.

In a news release Wednesday about the incident, Petaluma police officials said because mental health-related calls such as this are among the department's most frequent calls for service, Petaluma PD has teamed with Sonoma County’s Mental Health Mobile Support Team. The program known as MST partners police officers with mental health professionals so they can provide the services needed to those suffering from mental illness.

"Although the Mobile Support Team was not involved in this call for service due to the rapidly unfolding events, they are a tremendous resource to our agency," Petaluma police officials said.

If you or someone you know are contemplating suicide, Petaluma police encourage you to contact the North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline of Sonoma County at 855-587-6373. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 800-273-8255.