On March 27, 2023, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence in the 38700 block of North Sheridan Road, Beach Park, to assist paramedics with someone, a man in his 20’s, having a bipolar episode, in a suicidal state.  Initially, the man spoke with paramedics, but once he learned he might need to go to the hospital, he ran from the paramedics. 

The man ran toward Sheridan Road, saying things such as “Just run me over and kill me.”  The man tried running directly in the path of moving vehicles, in an attempt to be struck by a vehicle.  Sheriff’s deputies quickly rushed in, risking themselves getting struck by a car, and successfully escorted the man off the roadway.  

Members of the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) responded to provide additional support.  The man was unharmed and subsequently transported to an area hospital for a mental wellness evaluation.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Law enforcement from across the nation have seen a tremendous increase over the years in the amount of calls regarding individuals in mental distress.  Our sheriff’s deputies always approach these situations with a calm demeanor and utilize de-escalation techniques.  I am very proud of Deputies Rob Nakanishi, Amanda Hurtado, and Leo Juarez for their quick thinking, which saved this man’s life.  Our innovative COaST team was also able to respond to provide additional support for this man in mental crisis.”