The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office stopped a man from harming himself this morning, Feb. 21, outside the Parkton Assembly of God, 1670 Old Hwy. M, in Barnhart. The man was taken to an area hospital for evaluation after a negotiator and Jefferson County 911 dispatcher spoke with him for just less than two hours, police reported.
Deputies were called at about 7:10 a.m. after receiving a report that a man with a gun was in a car in the church’s parking lot. Spokesman Grant Bissell said the man in the car called 911 and said he was suicidal.
Bissell said the man got out of the car at about 8:45 a.m. He said the man never fired the gun and did not threaten to harm anyone in the area.
Bissell said he did not know the man’s age, where he was from or why he may have wanted to harm himself.
Morgan De Rouse, director of the nearby Parkton Child Care Center, said the day care went on lockdown at about 7:15 a.m. She said parents who had not dropped off their children for the day were asked to stay home and some parents came to pick up their children.
De Rouse said there were 27 children and 13 employees at the center, 1672 Old Hwy. M, when the building was locked down. She said the lockdown ended at about 9:30 a.m.
“I’m just glad nobody was hurt, and all of the officers, kids and employees are safe,” De Rouse said.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, resources are available to help.
Behavioral Health Response has a crisis line at 314-469-6644. Or you can reach out to the Compass Health Network from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 1-888-237-4567.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988.
A crisis text line is available by texting HOME to 741741.
Resources also are available at 988lifeline.org.