Earlier during the shift, my partner had dealt with this genius while in the County. I was out in another area on patrol and was making my way to cover my partner as he contacted this guy. The reason for the contact, was that he was reported as being intoxicated and was staggering somewhat into traffic ... I contacted my partner and told him I was in-route to his location. He stated that he had made contact and was OK. He also stated that the subject didn't appear intoxicated, ran him through NCIC/CCIC for wants and warrants ... he came back clear and my partner send him on his way ... he stated he was walking to a friends house.
At approximately 9:45pm ... I was contacted by dispatch and advised that the same subject had made it into the city limits and was threatening suicide. I had just pulled into my parent's driveway and was going to grab a quick bite.
I didn't have to respond since he was in the city and the police could deal with him, but I was close by and the officer they called for is a rookie in every sense of the word ... on the force for only 2 months. I figured I had better give him a hand. I got there first and made contact with the subject again. My partner showed up shortly after and I started asking this guy what was going on. He started talking about walking to his friend's house and just started acting really nervous. Then I asked if he was trying to hurt himself and if so, we could get someone for him to talk too and help him. Of course he denied any suicidal thoughts. i asked if he had been drinking, he stated he had earlier in the evening. I asked if I could do a simple test to see if he was on anything else ... he agreed. I conducted what's called a "Gaze Nystagmus". By checking the eyes for smooth tracking as they move from side to side and up/down ... well this guy's eyes were like watching "ping pong balls", just bouncing like crazy. I asked if he'd blow in our PBT(portable breath tester)... he said "OK". He blew and he was well over .100 and good he wasn't driving.
He was respectful and cooperative through everything so far. I didn't have a problem giving him a ride to a friends or just sending him on his way, except for the threats of suicide. I informed him that he was not under arrest nor did he have any charges. I informed him that we were going to take him to the detox facility to sleep it off, then he could be on his way. He said "fine".
I turned him away to put him in cuffs and I noticed a "SUPER KNIFE" in his right front pocket. HE BAILED OVER A "JERSEY BARRIER" AND BOLTED TOWARD THE CONSTRUCTION SITE!!! I'm right behind him and gaining fast ... were running on gravel, he goes to leap forward, I GRAB A HANDFUL OF ANKLE AND FLIP HIM RIGHT ONTO THE SIDE OF HIS FACE ... I TRY TO GET A BETTER GRIP ON HIM, LEFT FOOT SLIDES BACK ON THE GRAVEL SHORTENING MY STRIDE AS I TRY TO PLANT MY RIGHT FOOT OVER A CONCRETE SLAB AND JUST CATCH THE TIP OF MY BOOT THROWING ME OFF BALANCE AND RIGHT HAND FIRST INTO THE METAL CAGES/REBAR.
The only thing I felt was a dull impact ... didn't even hurt. I start going after the guy and continue running for about 10 to 15 yards and I FEEL DRIP, DRIP, GUSH SOMETHING WARM RUNNING DOWN MY HAND ... I LOOK DOWN AT MY HAND AND THERE'S BLOOD POURING OUT OF IT. My partner continues the chase for a bit. I walk back to my unit and contact dispatch to get med unit rolling my direction and informed them that an officer had been injured.
I wait back at the unit and I can't stop the bleeding ... my partner shows up and grabs the firstaid kit and uses a compression bandage to stop the bleeding ... meantime the city police continue the search and apprehension of the subject, who now has a bunch of charges on him, as I get a ride in the ambulance. The rest has been 2 surgeries and recovery.
I went down to the construction site today and took this photo of the metal my hand went through. Just thought I'd share ... Thanks for listening
. Take Very Good Care and Be Safe Always.God Bless All :)
-raven-
