Joint Press Release
Kirtland Police & Fire Departments
Kirtland Fire was dispatched to 10885 Tibbetts for a working structure fire at 11:43 am. Shortly after being dispatched police were also dispatched for a report of a suicidal male with a gun in the driveway. Upon arrival an 89-year-old male was located inside a vehicle parked in the driveway blocking access to the barn structure fire at the back of the property. The male brandished a gun as police approached. Mutual aid was requested from neighboring jurisdictions to set a perimeter and implement traffic control measures. Officers on scene formed two ad hoc shield teams and approached the vehicle in an effort to negotiate with the male.
Police and Fire learned that that there were small children and adults inside the main residence. Out of an abundance of caution, fire put out an MABAS Box to get additional EMS on scene and place hospitals on alert. Given this information, another team of officers was put together to check the residence. The residence was secured and no one in the residence was injured or involved in the incident occurring in the driveway.
After approximately 45 minutes of negotiation, officers were able to successfully recover the gun and take the suspect into custody. The male was immediately transported to Lake West Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Fire was given immediate access to driveway and were able to successfully combat the fire and ultimately extinguish it. No one was harmed or injured during the incident. The suspect will be charged with arson once his mental health and welfare are stabilized by medical professionals.
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday April 18, 2023
CONTACT:
Chief Brian McCallister
EMAIL:
[email protected]