Potential suicide by cop defused in Manchester

A Manchester 25-year-old on the edge is undergoing mental health evaluations, and his family and two township police officers are credited with preventing an almost-certain tragedy.

According to Chief Lisa Parker, the situation unfolded late Saturday night. Dispatchers fielded a 911 call referencing an intoxicated male at about 11 PM. Officers Patrick Mabie and Michael Steffen weren't aware, at that point, that the 25-year-old placed the call, and had armed himself with a highly realistic-looking pellet gun.

When they arrived at the New York Avenue house, they found him struggling with family members in his driveway. Mabie and Steffen later learned that after placing the emergency call, he reached family members to tell them what he was about to attempt.

As family members wrested the gun from his grip, Mabie approached the driveway. The distraught man walked towards him, yelling, "Just kill me," and "I can't stand my life," Parker said.

After a brief scuffle, the officers took him into custody without further incidents, and oversaw his transfer to hospitalization. .

"This near tragedy was avoided through quick actions of family members and officers," Parker said in prepared remarks.

"Family members were able to get the pellet gun out of the man's hand and officers were able to quickly assess the chaotic scene and take appropriate action. Officers showed great restraint and safely took him into custody without further incident."

She added that calls involving emotional disturbances have increased 30 percent in the township between 2012 and 2015.

"This case just highlights how even the most seemingly basic of calls can quickly change," Parker said, "I am proud of the officers and thankful for the family members who intervened."