Area law enforcement officers joined with local forces last week to help de-escalate a situation involving a man armed with a handgun while having a “mental health crisis.” When deputies with the Grady County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a residence located in the Whigham area Thursday at 11:45 p.m., Cpl. Dustin Harrell and Deputy Sean Matthews began talking with the subject and also called for additional backup.
Deputies from Grady and Decatur counties joined Whigham Police officers and troopers with the Georgia State Patrol in securing the area and clearing nearby houses.
Lt. Abby Hall contacted Capt. Ken Davidson with the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office who is a trained hostage negotiator.
“Capt. Davidson was able, after a lengthy standoff, to convince the subject to put down his firearm and walk to the officers at approximately 1:50 a.m. The subject was later transported to the Grady General Hospital to receive help,” states Grady County Sheriff Harry Young in a press release.
No charges were filed in the incident.
Sheriff Young was eager to thank all of the law enforcement officers who responded to the incident, especially recognizing Capt. Davidson.
“Sheriff Young and the Grady County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude that no one was hurt during the incident,” states the release. “The Grady County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who may be having suicidal thoughts to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911.”
