Man Transported to Local Hospital After Public Suicide Attempt
Valley Stream Apartment man now in custody after stand-off with tactical response team.
The following story is exclusive to Lansdale Patch.
UPDATE 7:45 p.m.
Detective Sergeant John Ciarlello of Hatfield Township Police said Hatfield Township Police responded to a call of an armed subject threatening suicide at 2:56 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.
Hatfield Township officers made contact with the subject and confirmed he was armed with a handgun, Ciarlello said. The subject was directed to exit and surrender to police, but he refused.
Ciarlello said when the subject refused to surrender, the North Penn Tactical Response Team was activated and responded to the scene. A command center was set up at the former J.L. Freed location at Broad Street and Cowpath Road.
Neighbors were evacuated from their apartments while police continued communication with the subject, Ciarlello said.
The tactical team entered the apartment at 5:04 p.m. and took custody of the subject, Ciarlello said.
The subject was taken to Lansdale Hospital for medical treatment and will undergo a mental health evaluation, police said.
Hatfield Township Police were assisted at the scene by Montgomery Township Police, Lansdale Police, Upper Gwynedd Township Police, Montgomery County Tactical Dispatch Team and Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale.
UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: The subject has now been placed in the back of an ambulance. Volunteer Medical Services Corp. of Lansdale is transporting him via ambulance to Lansdale Hospital.
UPDATE 5:12 p.m.: Multiple neighbors at the scene say the man that is now being taken into custody by medical crews is known as "Bob." The sources say that Bob works at the local Giant grocery store.
He resided in the R Building, where he staged his attempted suicide and stand-off with local police and the North Penn Tactical Response Team.
UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: According to radio reports, the man is now in custody of the tactical team. Reports indicate that the apartment, called "Apartment Six" during discussion, is "cleared and under control" at this time.
A medical unit was called in to the apartment to assist at the scene. It is currently unclear why assistance is needed.
UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: The subject in question has temporarily left his balcony. He is no longer visible from the ground.
Radio reports indicate he is using the restroom in his apartment.
UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: A Montgomery Township Police detective has arrived on the scene. He said he is currently in search of the maintenance man for the property.
Currently, police report that he has one hand on his phone and a second on his cigarette and lighter. The tactical team is keeping a close, visual on the subject.
UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: The suspect, who is on a second-floor apartment in either R or Q building of Valley Stream Apartments, is now on the phone speaking with what is believed to be a negotiator.
The tactical team has pulled up the Bearcat tank vehicle up behind the apartment building. Units began trying to reach the man on the balcony by yelling up to him, and seem now to be using a telephone.
Radio reports indicate he has put down the handgun in order to speak with police.
UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: A Patch reporter has arrived at the scene and reports that he can see a mid-aged, white male standing on the back balcony of his apartment in the R Building of Valley Stream Apartment complex. He is currently holding a gun to his head and smoking a cigarette.
The middle aged, balding man is being monitored by North Penn Tactical team, as well as Montgomery and Hatfield police. Police are evacuating nearby neighbors and asking person in the vicinity to leave the area immediately.
The tactical team has formed a post at a brick building between the apartments in order to control the scene.
Original post is below:
The North Penn Tactical Response Team is en route to 2100 N. Line St., Lansdale (in Hatfield Township) according to Montgomery County Public Safety Radio, for a call of a suicidal subject, considered armed and dangerous. The team is to join Montgomery Township Police and Hatfield Police at the scene to assist in public safety and assess the situation.
Radio reports say that the subject is the owner of at least a rifle and a .22 Beretta handgun. The subject may have more weapons, but that has yet to be determined.
A nearby Valley Stream Apartments building is being evacuated at this hour, to keep its residents safe.
A Patch reporter is en route to the scene. More information will be provided as it is made available.
In This article
-
Government Offices of Montgomery Township
1001 Stump Rd, Montgomeryville, PA -
Giant
976 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA -
Volunteer Medical Services
175 Medical Campus Dr, Lansdale, PA -
Abington Health - Lansdale Hospital
100 Medical Campus Dr, Lansdale, PA
William
5:12 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Wow, very tasteless photo. Hope his family doesn't see this!
Joanne Hawk Bottari
8:03 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
You are so right William . Very sad !!
concerned
8:03 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Really William, I hope his hole family sees this, do you want your kids playing around this guy?
Andrew
8:48 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
@ concerned, you should be more concerned with your lack of education.....A Hole is something you dig, I am thinking you mean whole as in complete family. How old are you? It's very obvious you are young and immature. He did not threaten any children!
cassidy
2:43 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
he is a great man and you are an indecent sorry excuse for a humanbeing "concerned"
Bruce Good
7:40 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
That must be a file photo of someone else, because it's an elderly man and the article said the suicidal man was middle-aged.
Anthony Rosini
12:31 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
No, that's him. I use to work with him.
Joe Stan
8:03 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
I too do not agree with the posting of those pictures that show the individual pointing the gun to his head. While I don't believe it isn't a HIPPA violation per se, it seems to lack proper respect for someone who needs medical & psychological help. What is the point of posting such photos?
Andrew
8:37 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Exactly Joe, I don't think I have ever seen a reputable news agency post photos of a mentally chanllenged individual. I wonder if this does somehow violate hippa laws. This is a mental illness, which is a disease!
EllieMae
10:12 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
The law enforcement of Montgomery County has had a difficult with with the loss of Officer Fox in Plymouth Township, and I comment the police departments for handling the situation as they did, with no blood shed or loss of life. It is very sad to see an individual so despondent that they feel there is no other option than ending their life. This man definitely needs, and hopefully, will get the necessary medical/psychological help. As far as HIPPA is concerned, that is a form that is signed by the patient and the authorized agents of hospitals, doctors offices and medical treatment facilities. This HIPPA law keeps confidential the medical treatment between the medical facilities and the patient and individuals the patient has authorized to receive the information. Although it is very disturbing to see the man actually holding a gun to his head in broad daylight, it does not violate any HIPPA rules. I would think it's the lack of respect or decency that the reporters show in taking such photos and then posting them for everyone to see. Some pictures are meant to be seen, I don't think a gun to the head was beneficial to anyone, it's a sad and tragic event that thankfully, ended without bloodshet and I hope the man gets the medical attention that he needs.
Hector
10:12 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
It's not a HIPPA violation as I am sure the posters were not healthcare providers. That being said it is extremenly distasteful and more importantly their play by play and posting of images "real time" places every one of those police officers in danger as they do their job. I am all for freedom of the press but I would hope the PATCH folks will take a minute to think about what they are doing in the future.
EllieMae
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I agree with your opinion of distasteful posting as well as the camera shots of the law enforcement officers as many are trained for special assignments and go undercover in very dangerous situations and also come from other townships and boroughs to work on SWAT and drug sweep raids.. Years ago, I lived in Norristown and was astounded by the IDIOTS that published the Times Herald because the police would conduct various raids at night and early morning hours and round up lots of criminals, some pretty dangerous and armed, who were involved in drugs and other things....and sure enough, the Herald would NOT only publish the PHOTOS with names of the suspects but seemed to go out of their way to IDENTIFY the officers involved in the raids. So much for the undercover work. Also, not sure if the law enforcement teams assembled wanted their identities known to the public. I know of a few officers who do such dangerous, undercover work, and say prayers each time they take an assignment, that they are successful and come out unharmed, and are still anonymous, for their own safety and that of their families.
EllieMae
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Hector, just looked at the photos again, as sadly they are still posted and noticed that there seems to be MORE photos than had been previously posted, including a shot taken through the window of the man in the back of the ambulance...poor taste. The other thing I noticed was one officer was photographed in three consecutive photos walking towards the camera...he had his helmet on, head down and then had his face turned away from the camera, so I don't really believe that he wanted his photo plastered on the internet. Evidently the photographer didn't get the message!!
mental health advocate
10:50 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
that would be HIPAA
rrrue river
10:12 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Only someone who prays on others sufferings would allow photo of this nature to be posted. Thank you Melissa, David, and Tony for the little window into your essence.
Eric W
10:12 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
A cry for help. He was not serious, obviously. Hope he gets the help he needs.
EllieMae
4:26 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Sorry, Eric, but you crossed the line as well with your "he was not serious" comment. People choose various ways to vent/express themselves and who are you to say when it's a serious issue or not? Shame on you
cassidy
10:47 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
get these photos off of here now this is my step father and he is a good man. all of you with negitive comments need to pay attention to your own families and stop worring about mine this is none of your bussiness this should not have even been posted by such small minded people. you have no right to talk about something you have no clue about everyone goes threw hard times this man has helped me more then any man could ever help the daughter of the woman he loves and to sit here and be little him the way these people have is sickening my mother his daughters and i are going threw a hard time and this does not help get these off.
EllieMae
2:49 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Dear Cassidy, I am very sorry that your family is having some difficult times and I hope your step-father gets whatever help he needs. I will send prayers your way, hoping it helps you and your family. These photos should not have been posted but the media oversteps boundaries with little thought to those in front of the camera many times, when they are caught up in the moment of action...not an excuse, just poor judgement on the editors part. Take care.
Joe Stan
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Cassidy, I hope your step-father is able to get the help he needs to carry him through this time in his life. Please know that people you may not know at this time, are supporting you & agree that these photos should not have been posted. Peace.
cassidy
10:47 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
thank you to all who have said how awful it is for them to post these pictures this is a very hard time for our family
Allison
12:23 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Do you want your kids playing around this guy? Yeah actually my daughters have gone over to this mans home countless times, and never had a bad thing to say about him. The comments on here are disgusting to see. He never threatened anyone, and to say he wasn't serious, serious or not it doesn't matter. Obviously he isn't well at this time and doesn't need mindless idiots judging him. His family has seen this and are very hurt by the ignorant responses. The only comments that should be on here are well wishes for him and his family. It is sick times that we live in where these pictures can even be posted. Did anyone actually google this article to see if the man mentioned was ok? Doubt it. Get on with your pathetic lives and respect that he is a freaking human being with a family and people who love him. Everyone falls on hard times, and none of you even know him on a personal level. Shame on all of you that had nothing encouraging to say.
Nicole Turner
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
AGAIN you publish a photo of the person attempting suicide? (Photo of the man on the roof of St. Mary's last week was published with the defense that it was from a distance and you could not distinguish his features.)
Allison, I've read all the comments and I have a hard time seeing, other than one, to what you are referring. The majority of the comments have been very understanding and appalled that Patch, once again, posted the picture of a person in mental distress.
Patch, where is the ethical line here? The argument for the last posting of such a picture was the fact that the man had done it in a public place and required public resources. In my opinion, you are not even a baby step away from plunging your cameras into fatal car wrecks to show the carnage, as these also happen in public places and require the use of public resources.
I said it before, and I WILL continue to say it: One of the marks of a civilized society is that we treat people with respect, even when we feel they do not deserve it (and when they deserve it the least but need it the most.)
This is vulture journalism. TMZ. National Enquirer. LiveLeak.com
Shame on you, Patch.
Nicole Turner
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
And why are you publishing his name and where he works? How on earth do you justify this? Have you judged him as a threat to the community at large, beyond the need of knowing there is an unstable person with a gun at a certain location? Have you decided that he does not need to go back to work, back to his home, back to his community and be received with respect and concern? Indeed you have. You have judged this man worthy of our disdain, of our condemnation, and worthy of humiliation.
One more time for the record: SHAME ON YOU, PATCH.
Carla Meyers
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I am so dissapointed in the patch, I think our community needs to get involved and have it shut down. Ambler Patch has also posted some extremley unappropriate things recently too. It could be such a great source of things for the community for positive and informational puirposes but now it is complete trash. Shame on you patch. Ambler Resident.
Eric W
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
@His family members: if the publicity is such a problem, why did he put the gun to his head on the front porch for the world to see? You would be best not to comment at all since you don't want anyone saying negative things. The fact that you know and love him is not really relevant. To be blunt, this is not about you.
EllieMae
4:26 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Sorry, Eric, you are WRONG again!! I highly doubt the family members expected their relative to do this, let alone it be photographed and broadcast to the world. You would be best to STOP commenting BECAUSE you started out being insensitive and continue to do so by telling the relatives to STOP commenting and how it "is not about you." What the heck is wrong with you? Evidently, the family has been having some issues and this more likely has compounded them and then you put in your dumb comments. Why don't you stop commenting, unless it's something really helpful and sincere to the family??
Eric W
12:31 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
EllieMae, again, this was not about the family members. The topic is about the guy featured in the article. The fact that they commented shows only that they want the world to know their problems just as the man featured in the story does. Actually, I was not being insensitive because I was saying what is said time and again about these things: people don't really want to kill themselves, they really want help. Why would I want to think that someone really wants to die when they do this in the open for everyone to see. Yes, a cry for help it was. And let me say to what I said to the family: this is not about you, EllieMae. Quit putting yourself in the spotlight. I realize some people like to be famous but you sure do go about it in an odd way.
KC
10:48 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
To say he was not serious is crazy, you dont have the tactical team come to your house, and think it is a joke. Nice man or not he needs help and prayer, for him and his family. He placed his life and all others around him in danger. Family member or not, wrong is wrong, so dont try to down play it. My prayers go out to him!
rrrue river
1:03 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Eric if I were you I would be down on my knees praying today this is never one of your family members one of the people you hold dear to your own heart
EllieMae
4:26 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Well said, rrrue river. You never know when something is going to come back and "knock you for a loop." I send love and prayers to this family and man that their situation changes for the better.
Eric W
12:31 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
If it does, i'll be sure to remind my family not to involve themselves in the spotlight.
LTFD
4:26 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
I don't know the man or his situation. The last thing he, or his family, needs is this. Leave him alone, take down his name and workplace, and remove photos. I thought it was the policy of Patch.com to not print the name or picture of suicide/suicidal victims. What has changed?
EllieMae
4:26 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
And before anyone thinks otherwise, I do NOT know the man, I am not a friend or relative of the family, I just think that PATCH posted photos it should NOT have and that some people should NOT be making insensive and rude comments, especially to family members who posted on here.
Chuck Lutz
10:50 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
I just want to say that I know bob and he is a great man. A hard working man that loves his famley and is well liked by his friends . I sure hope to see bob soon after he gets the help he needs and look fowerd to talking to him. Bob would not hurt himself or anyone for that matter . I hope he get some cheering up that he much needs . If there is anything I can do for him please let me know.
Melissa Treacy
8:13 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
We understand this is a sensitive situation which, fortunately, ended without the loss of life. We have an obligation to report news in our communities and stand behind our reporting, as this occurred publicly and resulted in the evacuation of an apartment complex.
Jess
12:59 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
You can report the news all you want but why can't you at least take the pictures down of this man? You can see how much it is hurting his immediate family. Leave the ones up of the scene around but please take the ones down showing this guy. It's now fair because it's not like he was hurting someone else and should be exposed.
one4meand2foryou
10:50 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
I thing Patch.com should go on the list at CARES.COM for protest.
one4meand2foryou
10:50 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
I thing (correction) I think
one4meand2foryou
12:59 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
or change.org
Carla Meyers
2:40 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Wow Melissa, I am printing this now.. this needs to be addressed at our community meeting tomorrow.
Nicole Turner
12:18 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
Melissa, wow, what a lame argument. Reporting the news can be done with grace and compassion. When did becoming a crack reporter become synonymous with being cruel? Seriously, is this the first time someone has ever threatened suicide? NO. Where are all the pictures of those people? But in the past two weeks, two different local patches have published pictures of people in the midst of a threat. You use the concept of free press to justify your sensationalistic journalism. The man's identity, the image of him with a gun to his head, do NOT ONE THING to further the story - that there was a man with a gun on a balcony threatening to take his life. Do we need the actual image to understand what that means, what action should be taken? NO.