Normal police praised for talking down resident’s mental health crisis

Posted on June 17, 2024

*Pictured (L-R) Officer Isaiah Williamson, Officer Eric Sage, Chief Steve Petrilli. (Facebook/Normal Police Department)*

NORMAL – The Normal Police Department on Facebook recognized Officer Isaiah Williamson and Officer Eric Sage for their recent police work.

On April 25 around 10:20 a.m., Normal police got a 911 call from a man who claimed to have a knife and scissors while in the midst of a mental health crisis.

Officer Sage, who had previously encountered the man and established good rapport, volunteered to head to the scene and take over communication.

Police attempted to reach via phone but there was no answer. Other officers joined the scene and were able to establish contact with the man.

Officers displayed a calm and friendly demeanor to ensure the situation remained peaceful. The individual recognized the officers, which immediately helped to put him at ease. Officers on scene complemented each other well in communicating with the individual. NORMAL POLICE DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK

All told, officers spoke with the man for roughly 40 minutes, offering human empathy and resources that could be used to have the situation end peacefully.

Eventually, the man complied and was taken into protective custody with no issues.

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