Person Leaves Tewksbury Hospital Holding Shard Of Glass To Throat: PD

TEWKSBURY, MA —A person left Tewksbury Hospital holding a shard of glass to their throat Tuesday morning threatening to harm themselves. Tewksbury police responded and de-escalated the situation without harm coming to anyone involved, according to a police statement.

Police were called to the area of 175 Chandler St. behind the Tewksbury Senior Center. A police clinician and a state hospital therapist also responded.

A person was holding a shard of glass to their throat, posing a safety threat to themselves and others.

"This person repeatedly asked officers to shoot them," police wrote in a statement. "After repeated attempts to have this person drop the glass, they eventually did, and officers were able to take this person into custody so that they could receive the treatment they need."

Police relied on their "advanced training and experience in responding to acute mental health crises" to resolve the situation.

“Our officers followed their training procedures and were able to help a person in distress,” Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement. “I want to acknowledge the professionalism and compassion our officers displayed during this incident, and we hope all the best for the person who was in distress.

"These incidents are extremely stressful and complex, I’m grateful to my officers for the successful outcome.”