​With Knife To Throat, Suicidal Man Saved by South Pasadena Officers

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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SOUTH PASADENA - A suicidal man who already cut himself and reportedly overdosed on pills was disarmed of a knife by officers at an apartment complex Wednesday.

The man was bleeding from his wrists and was holding a large kitchen knife to his throat when police found him after forcing their way into the unit in the 1600 block of Amberwood Drive around 2:54 p.m., South Pasadena Police said.

The man was found in a rear bedroom, laying on a bed. Police responded after he told family members he consumed numerous pills and slit his wrists.

“Officers asked the subject several times to put down the knife and talk with them. The subject insisted on taking his life and told the officers he had taken approximately 90 pills,” South Pasadena Police said.

The man was distracted after officers built a rapport, long enough for them to knock the knife away with a six-foot prying tool, South Pasadena Police said.

Officers immediately began first aid until paramedics arrived to continue treatment and transported the man to Huntington Memorial Hospital.

“The officers showed tremendous restraint in an incident that presented both tactical and safety dilemmas,” said Captain Brian Solinsky. “The officers saw an opportunity to knock the knife away, which prevented the suspect from taking his own life or hurting someone else. The officers used the utmost restraint while bringing the situation to a successful conclusion.”