A man threatening suicide caused a dramatic scene in Whitley County Monday night, even resulting in a lock down at Whitko Middle School.

Officers of the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department were first called at 4:19 p.m. to an address on CR 700 West, south of Larwill. A female acquaintance of the man told police she received text messages from the individual saying he was going to kill himself.

Deputies were unable to get the man to answer his front door, but forced open a rear door on the mobile home and made entry. They were greeted by Jeremy Todd Guthrie, 41, who was pointing a handgun at them.

The officers immediately exited the residence and called for the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team. Nearby Whitko Middle School was also placed on lock down for the safety of all students and adults who were in the school for extracurricular events.

Negotiators were unable to persuade Guthrie to exit the home, so at 9:24 p.m. tear gas was projected through a front window of the mobile home. Guthrie finally came out and was taken into custody.

Guthrie was taken to Parkview Whitley Hospital for observation then jailed in Whitley County on a charge of pointing a loaded firearm. His bond has been set at $100,000 surety.

He will make an initial court appearance at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in Whitley Superior Court.