DATE/TIME: August 28, 2019/ 5:00 PM
INCIDENT: Mental Health Evaluation / 72 Hour Detention
LOCATION: 34000 block of Avenue J, Yucaipa
SUSPECT(S): Confidential, 16 year old Yucaipa resident
SUMMARY: On August 28, 2019 at approximately 5:00 pm, deputies from the Yucaipa Police Department responded to a suspicious circumstances call in the 34000 block of Avenue J. The caller reported a hispanic man was armed with a knife and walking in the area.
When Deputy Lozano arrived, he found the man standing in the street with his hands concealed. When the deputy spoke with him, he drew a knife from under his clothing and began to advance on the deputy. The deputy was able to talk to the man and use de-escalation techniques and, after several tense minutes, convinced him to drop the knife. The deputy was able to detain him without using any force and without incident.
When the deputies spoke to him they discovered he was a 16-year-old teen who was in a mental health crisis situation. He called 911 on himself, gave his own description, and armed himself with a butter knife and waited for deputies to arrive in hopes of creating a "suicide by cop" incident. The teen was taken to a local hospital for mental health evaluation and treatment.
There are a number of mental health service providers in the community available for those who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Calling 211 can connect you to these vital services.
Refer: Deputy G. Lozano
Station: Yucaipa Station
Phone No. (909) 918-2305
Case No. 141902695
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
