A 39-year-old man from Manchester was arrested after firing shots at the Saline Police Department on Sunday morning, according to local authorities. The incident began when Michigan State Police were called to the man's home after a report that he was suicidal. However, he had already left by the time troopers arrived, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit.
The man then drove to the Saline police station and called Metro-Dispatch, stating that he was suicidal and wanted police to shoot him. He fired three rounds from a semi-automatic pistol, with at least one bullet hitting the police station's building, as reported by The Detroit News. Saline Police Chief Marlene Radzik confirmed that the situation was resolved peacefully by 8:22 a.m. with no injuries.
Chief Radzik emphasized the importance of mental health resources for individuals in crisis. "This incident is still under investigation, and we are determining what charges will be submitted to our Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. However, remember that this subject is being provided the help he needs," she wrote, as per The Detroit News. "This incident highlights the importance of mental health support and the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals in crisis," Chief Radzik added.
Authorities recovered two handguns from the man, who is receiving mental health assistance while awaiting potential charges.
The Saline Police Department has shared information on mental health support, urging anyone in Washtenaw County needing crisis intervention to contact the CARES team at 734-544-3050. The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available at 988 for round-the-clock support, as emphasized by WXYZ.
