Person Shot, Killed At The Corners Of Brookfield: Report

BROOKFIELD, WI — Authorities in Brookfield say tragedy struck this weekend after one person suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a parking lot at The Corners of Brookfield.

Brookfield police say that an officer on patrol pulled the driver of a vehicle over at just after midnight on Dec. 28. The driver pulled over near the parking garage entrance.

Police say the officer parked behind the driver of the vehicle. As they were walking up, the officer heard a single gunshot from inside the vehicle. When the officer got up to the car, they saw that the driver suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Although the officer attempted to save the person's life, the person died at the scene.

Management at The Corners of Brookfield issued a statement related to the shooting. It read, in part: “Our sympathy is with all those involved in this tragic situation and we thank the Town of Brookfield Police Department and other authorities for their support."

Suicide Prevention: How To Help A Struggling Person

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are six guidelines to follow if a person shares that he or she is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors:

1. Take any talk of suicide seriously. If someone approaches you and shares suicidal thoughts, let the teen know that you are glad they shared this information and reassure him or her that you can help and he or she is not alone.
2. Provide reassurance. Let them know there is help available and that you and others care and want to help.
3. Use your judgment. If the person has suicidal thoughts, a specific suicide plan and seems intent on ending his or her life, get help immediately by calling 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
4. Contact a parent or other trusted adult. If someone shares suicidal thoughts with you, let him or her know you cannot keep that a secret, you need to contact a parent or trusted adult and ask who you should reach out to. Wait with them until the trusted adult arrives. Do not leave a person who may be suicidal alone.
5. Share this resource sheet. When the trusted adult arrives, share the resource sheet and recommend that they immediately seek mental health care for them.
6. Share information about the encounter with others and document it. Let others within your organization know that you had that conversation with a member of the youth group and document how you handled it.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are 10 warning signs to watch for a person who may be struggling with a mental health crisis:

1. Feeling very sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for more than two weeks.
2. Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself.
3. Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.
5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain.
6. Severe mood swings causing problems in relationships.
7. Excess use of drugs or alcohol.
8. Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits.
9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.
10. Intense worries or fears getting in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or handling daily activities.