Police Rescue Man Who Threatened 'Suicide By Cop', Drowning: Cops

WAUKESHA, WI — Police in Waukesha say they were able to rescue a man from self-harm after the man threatened "suicide by cop," and later threatened to drown himself in the Fox River.

According to Waukesha police call logs, officers responded to the 200 block of W. Moreland Blvd. at just after 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 on a report of a person who told family members that he would attempt "suicide by cop."

Police said the 32-year-old man was located by officers on the Moreland Bridge over the Fox River. While there, he told officers he had taken pills and threatened to jump into the Fox River to drown himself.

According to police, officers talked with the man for a lengthy period of time, and eventually peacefully surrendered to officers.

Waukesha police said the man was taken into protective custody.

Related Resources

Suicide Prevention Lifeline — The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

National Alliance On Mental Illness Ending the Silence — Ending the Silence is a presentation that helps audience members learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take.

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Youth Suicide Prevention — As part of the state's effort to provide mental health resources, state educators have assembled several resources for parents and their children.

How To Help
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 a teen 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 the teen know there is help available and that you and others care and want to help.
3. Use your judgment. If the teen 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 a teen 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 the teen until the trusted adult arrives. Do not leave a teen who may be suicidal alone.
5. Share the resource sheet. When the trusted adult arrives, share the resource sheet and recommend that they immediately seek mental health care for the teen.
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 going to classes.