WEST WARWICK, RI — A man holding a handgun to his chest near a hotel parking lot dropped the firearm after a two-hour standoff and was hospitalized for a mental health evaluation, police said.
Officers responded to the wood line in back of a hotel parking lot on James P. Murphy Industrial Highway about 1:30 p.m. to investigate a report of a "despondent male in possession of a handgun," the West Warwick Police Department said in a media release.
See also:
"Upon arrival, Officers located the individual, who was holding a handgun to his chest and threatening self-harm," the release said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the immediate area was evacuated while Officers established communication with the male."
See also: Rabid Stray Cat Bites Person In Burrillville: RIDOH
For nearly two hours, officers engaged in "intensive negotiation efforts" with the man before he "agreed to drop the handgun peacefully," according to the release.
See also: 1 Killed, 1 Injured In East Providence Rollover Wreck
"He was then taken into protective custody and transported by rescue personnel to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation," the release said.
See also: Thunderstorm Looming In Rhode Island
Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can get help by calling 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
West Warwick, RI Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.