APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Appleton Police Department said that officers were able to successfully de-escalate a situation with a man holding an axe and experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to a release, an officer encountered the man brandishing an axe in the department’s southern parking lot early on Wednesday morning. The officer reportedly held the man at gunpoint for safety and began to speak with him.
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Other officers arrived and helped de-escalate the situation as the man put the axe down and stepped away. Officers took him into custody.
The man was taken to a hospital for mental health resources. According to the release, the Appleton Police Department provides ongoing training to help officers engage in de-escalation and crisis intervention, specifically to ensure the capability in handling incidents like these.
In addition, the Appleton Police Department noted that September is Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time to bring awareness to the mental health resources and that early intervention is crucial.
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“The Appleton Police Department encourages anyone experiencing a crisis to reach out for help and reminds the community that resources are available,” the release said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the 988 Lifeline.
