Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release
Deputies with the Camarillo Police Department successfully deescalate and prevent a man suffering a mental health crisis from trying to jump off the Highway 101 overpass at Carmen Drive in Camarillo.
Deputies assigned to the Camarillo Police Station received a call for service of a subject climbing the safety fence on the Carmen Drive bridge preparing to jump onto Highway 101. Deputies arrived on scene and contacted the man who was no longer on the fence once they arrived. He had a large knife and was threatening suicide by jumping to the freeway below. Additional resources from the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Negotiation Unit arrived and established conversation with the subject.
The on-scene deputies were able to de-escalate the situation and, after approximately 20 minutes of communicating with the man, he was peacefully taken into custody. During that time, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team arrived on scene as well. They also spoke to the subject once he was in custody and evaluated him for being a danger to himself or others.
The male subject was eventually transported to the Pleasant Valley Hospital Emergency Room on a 72 hour hold under the provisions of W&I 5150 – Mental Health Disorder. While at the emergency room the man became uncooperative and was placed into physical restraints. He was able to break free from the restraints and attacked medical staff and deputies. Medical staff and deputies received minor injuries during the incident. The man was arrested for PC 69 – Obstructing/resisting officer during performance of duties with force/violence and PC 243b- Battery on peace officer / emergency medical personnel. The man was medically cleared at the hospital and transported to the Pre- Trial Detention Facility for booking.
The Sheriff’s Office has recognized the need for more advanced mental health treatment and services in the custody setting for some time. In early 2019, the Pre-Trial Detention Facility implemented a new unit, designed to assist with the challenges created by the continually increasing population of inmates with mental health concerns in our jail. This new unit, designated as the Therapeutic Inmate Management Unit addresses these concerns. Inmates in this unit are evaluated by mental health professionals and receive programming to address their needs while at the Pre- Trial Detention Facility.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would also like to encourage citizens who are having suicidal ideations to use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline is available 24/7. It is a free and confidential support for people in distress. In addition, they offer prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Their toll free phone number is 1-800-273-8255.
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