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Somersworth Police come to aid of suicidal person, avert tragedy

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SOMERSWORTH - Using compassion, care and empathy, Somersworth Police likely saved a life last week, Somersworth Police Chief Timothy J. McLin said on Friday.

Somersworth Police got involved in the lifesaving effort after being made aware of a person who was struggling with their mental health.

This individual was reported to have a firearm, according to McLin, and had been actively placing the firearm to their head while threatening suicide.

Somersworth Police began looking for the individual and with the assistance of a Dover Police K9 team were able to find this troubled soul "lying on the ground with a pistol on their chest," McLin said. "This individual made it clear that they did not intend to leave alive."

The responding officers spoke with the individual for nearly an hour and a half knowing they could change this situation for the better," McLin said. "Using de-escalation techniques that included compassion, care, empathy, understanding and an unfettered desire to save a life, they were successful in talking this individual out of the situation and getting them treatment."

McLin said he was proud of his officers and took the opportunity to urge anyone struggling with their emotional or mental health to reach out.

"We, as an agency and as people are here to help you and there are a number of resources available to you as well," he said.

Some of the Resources include:

Rapid Response, dial 833-710-6477, or online at NH988.com

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 988 or online at: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) dial 800-242-6264 or online at: NAMI NH - Improving lives affected by mental illness

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