On October 6, 2016, just after 6:00 p.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Rome Way in Paulden, regarding a suicidal male in his early 20’s. A friend of the subject had received a cell phone text from the despondent man about an hour prior and was attempting to talk him out of hurting himself. At one point, the subject would not answer further calls so his friend contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) due to concern for his well-being.
About 12 minutes later the first deputy arrived on scene, entered the home and had to force his way into a bedroom through a locked door. The subject was found on the floor and not breathing with several belts wrapped tightly around his neck in an apparent attempt to asphyxiate himself. The deputy removed the belts, began administering CPR, and after a few moments the subject started breathing. EMS personnel eventually arrived and the subject was transported to YRMC for further treatment and is expected to survive. Based on the condition of the subject when found, the timely call to YCSO and the expedited arrival of the deputy very likely saved the man’s life.
Deputies learned the subject was upset regarding issues involving his girlfriend and their children and indicated he was just ‘tired of living’ and ‘couldn’t take it anymore.’