Stephens County Deputies Respond to Suicide Threat

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. – SCSO Responds to Suicide Threats, 1 Individual Transported to Hospital for Mental Health Care

At approximately 3:38 p.m. yesterday, April 17, deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a 911 call in reference to suicide threats at a residence on Oak Valley Road near Holly Springs Road.

Prior to their arrival, dispatchers informed deputies that a male individual (who will remain unnamed) was in possession of a pistol and threatening to kill himself. Dispatchers also informed deputies that the male claimed he would commit “suicide by cop” if units responded. Within minutes, SCSO deputies and investigators carefully approached the area and began gathering information about the situation from family members. They also attempted to locate the distressed male who left the residence with the firearm prior to deputies’ arrival.

At approximately 5:10 p.m., several deputies and investigators carefully approached the individual whom they found barricaded in a shed near the residence. Additional units were staged at locations on Oak Valley Road in the event backup may be needed. After nearly three hours of trying to communicate with the male, and with assistance from his friends and family, the male was safely taken into custody by deputies. He was then transported to the Stephens County Hospital for evaluation.

“This incident could have had a very different outcome. I want to commend our deputies for recognizing that this individual was experiencing a mental health crisis, and for responding with compassion and professionalism,” said Sheriff Rusty Fulbright. “By opening lines of communication and working to de-escalate the situation, they ensured a peaceful resolution where no one was harmed.”

This morning, April 18, deputies transported the male from the hospital to a nearby mental health facility to receive specialized care.

“This incident is a great example of why it is important for our deputies to continue to receive training—both in empathetic crisis intervention and in being prepared for the most dangerous and challenging situations they’ll face,” said Sheriff Fulbright.