“It takes time, and in this situation, it seems like we wouldn’t have that luxury if it was ongoing,” said mental health expert Rachel Peterson.
St. Paul, Minn. — Officers with the St. Paul Police Department responded to a call of a suicide in progress Monday night. While responding, officers located a woman inside a home in the Payne Phalen area.
A police spokesperson said the woman pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer. They fired shots at her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is the last incident,” said Sergeant Mike Ernster of the St. Paul Police Department. “This is the last incident any police officer would ever want to encounter.”
Ernster said the department employs three employees to help with mental health situations, but they typically work day shifts. For any mental health calls that come in after that time, Ernster said officers will try to stabilize the individual so that the mental health department can review them the next day.
“It takes time, and in this situation, it seems like we wouldn’t have that luxury if it was ongoing,” said mental health expert Rachel Peterson.
Peterson is a former police officer who now works in the mental health industry.
“When we have someone trying to harm us, all of our focus is on how to get there as quickly as possible, and hopefully create interventions that interrupt that process. ” Peterson said.
Details of what happened are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Ernster said SPPD hopes to release body camera footage of the incident soon.
Peterson doesn’t know the details of what happened, but what’s clear is that these situations are difficult for everyone.
“This is a devastating event for everyone involved,” Peterson said. “Everyone suffers this kind of loss because you’re asking the dispatcher, you’re asking the therapist, you’re asking the police officer, you’re asking the community members.”
Three St. Paul City Council members called for the video to be released. Mayor Melvin Carter said the department will work with the BCA to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Check out our news for the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota. YouTube playlist:
