Clearwater Police Take Armed Suicidal Man Into Custody Safely.
Clearwater Police officers responded to a report of an armed suicidal man at 11:29 this morning at 10 S. Pegasus Ave.
Police say the man was on the phone with someone at the Veterans Administration hospital and said he had a gun pointed at his head and was going to kill himself. He warned if he saw any police officers, there would be a shootout.
Residents of nearby houses were either evacuated or warned to remain inside their residences. Skycrest Elementary nearby was put on lockdown according to police.
Members of the hostage negotiation team were able to establish communication with the man, who remained inside the house for some time. He eventually came outside to the front porch, armed with a revolver, at times pointing it in the direction of officers on scene.
At one point in time, he fired a shot into the ground. Officers showed great restraint under the circumstances and ultimately took the man into custody about an hour after the incident began.
“This man is still alive this afternoon because of the great work by dispatchers and restraint by our officers on scene,” said Police Chief Daniel Slaughter. “A suicide-by-cop scenario is challenging for officers, who have to protect the public and themselves, but believe in the preservation of all life. Thanks to the collaborative work today by the Veterans Administration, the CPD Communications Center, and CPD officers on scene, this veteran will hopefully get the help he so desperately needs.”