Everyone walked away safely from a Sept. 27 incident that saw a heavy police presence descend on a rural township road in Athabasca County in response to a firearms complaint.
Const. Kyle Hotchkiss of the Athabasca RCMP said the incident, which stemmed from a Healthlink operator's call. While a man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act, no arrest was made, and no criminal charges will follow.
The man, who Hotchkiss said was suffering from a mental health episode, had threatened to shoot anyone that entered the property, while also stating he was going to kill himself. Because of the threats, and the risk in the situation, an emergency response team was brought out from Edmonton.
"Ultimately, the situation ended very well. Nobody was injured, and we were able to get him to a hospital for assessment," said Hotchkiss.
Hotchkiss encouraged anyone who was in a tough spot with their mental health, but not immediately at risk of injuring themselves or others, to call Healthlink at 8-1-1, which can provide access to a psych nurse.
If you, or someone you know is struggling, other resources exist.
Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline is available at 9-8-8.
For youth, the Kids Help Phone can be reached at 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868.
