Two female Scioto County Deputies didn’t hesitate to head into the woods to save a, reportedly, retired first responder in crisis on Sunday night.
Just after 7:30 pm, 911 alerted several deputies saying the man was contemplating self-harm and was on the phone but was now silent and sobbing. Once officers arrived in Lucasville, he had headed into the woods, believed to be armed with a gun. The man had reportedly attempted self-harm the previous month.
The officers traversed a creek bed and a steep ridge in search of the man, all the while being cautious in case the man was armed. Half a dozen deputies from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office joined in the search, but one of the female officers located the man.
They did not find any weapons at the scene. The man said he was unable to move due to a previous injury. Deputies called for medics who responded via a 4-wheeler and a side-by-side to get to the injured man. They also sent for an air ambulance to land at Northwest High School.
We are actively monitoring this story. We will update this article as they continue to try and bring him off the hill and get him to the awaiting chopper.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out to a helpline or mental health professional for immediate support. In Scioto County, you can call 740-354-1010.
Update
Emergency workers began bringing all personnel and the ATV equipment out of the forest and safely back to the main staging area just before 10 pm.
Just after 10 pm the officers immediately returned to their duties and were available to help other callers.
The man was transported for medical treatment. At this time, nothing is known about his condition.