COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus Chief of Police Michael Richardson recently awarded five officers letters of commendation for their actions in safely resolving a call involving a mentally ill man who was armed with a knife this past summer.
Sgt. Oscar Olmeda responded to a residence to the check the welfare of a man with a history of mental health issues on July 31.
While speaking with the man and a family member, the man produced a knife and threatened to harm Olmeda. Olmeda was able to safely retreat away from the residence with the family member and requested assistance.
Sgt. Robert Mitchell along with officers Alex Hill, Andrew Celik, and John Busack arrived at the residence a short time later. The officers continued to speak with the man for more than 90 minutes in an effort to get him to drop the knife.
The officers eventually utilized less lethal measures, including a taser and bean bag rounds, to get the man to drop the knife he was holding. However, he refused to put down the weapon and retreated back inside the home.
A short time later, the officers observed that the man was no longer in possession of the knife and they were able to restrain him after a short struggle. The man was transported to an area hospital for mental health treatment.
“…If it were not for the patience and restraint exhibited by these five officers, I am convinced that outcome could have ended much differently,” Richardson said.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.
