A welfare check in McDermott turned into a tense situation after a Scioto County deputy heard a man screaming in the woods and discovered he had a weapon.
Deputies were called after someone became concerned about the man’s well-being.
When a deputy arrived, the officer found a truck near the wooded area and went into the woods to search for him.
The deputy soon heard the man screaming. After learning that he had a weapon, officers asked for traffic in the area to be temporarily stopped as a safety precaution.
The deputy made contact with the man and was able to secure the weapon without anyone being injured.
An ambulance was called, and medics transported the man to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The report did not say what caused the man’s distress, and no arrest or criminal charges were mentioned.
Incidents like this show how often law enforcement officers find themselves on the front line of possible mental health crises. Deputies may arrive expecting a welfare check but quickly face a situation involving weapons, medical concerns, or someone in severe emotional distress.
In this case, the officer was able to safely secure the weapon and get the man medical help without the situation ending in an arrest or injury.
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