Press Release

COLUMBIA CITY — A suicidal man was taken to a hospital for evaluation after Whitley County and Fort Wayne police negotiated with him for about four hours.

At 7:36 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, Whitley County dispatch received a 911 call of a possible suicidal man in the area of Blue Lake Road in Churubusco.

Units arrived in the area but were unable to find the man right away. Officers were then advised by dispatch that a family member found the man under a bed in his camper with a gun to his head. Whitley County deputies made contact with the man. A perimeter was set up and contact by phone was made with the man. Whitley County dispatch and Whitley County Sheriff’s Department Commanding Offices tried to talk the man out.

During this time, Fort Wayne Police Department EST and Negotiator Teams were requested to assist. Whitley County officers attempted to get the man out until FWPD’s teams arrived. Around 11:01 p.m., FWPD teams took over negotiations. During close to a four-hour negotiation, and the man discharging four handgun rounds inside the trailer, chemical agents were deployed. The man came out peacefully and was then taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The investigation continues and no name will be released at this time. The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Columbia City Police Department, Churubusco Police Department, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Smith Township Fire Department and Parkview EMS.