Suicide Negotiation in St. Joseph Charter Township
On January 12, 2025, at approximately 19:50 hours, officers of the St. Joseph Township Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 2400 block of Washington Avenue, regarding a possible suicidal subject at the location. Officers were made aware that the subject had indicated that he was filling his residence with natural gas, and that he intended to ignite the gas.
As a precautionary measure, several residents in the vicinity were advised to evacuate, as officers established a secure perimeter around the home. St. Joseph Township officers were assisted at the scene by St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Tactical Response Unit, as well as Negotiators from Berrien County Sherrif's Department.
After approximately two hours, the individual exited the residence and was subsequently taken into protective custody by officers. The subject, a 37-year-old male resident of St. Joseph Township, was transported to Corewell Health Lakeland Emergency Room, for further treatment. A report is being submitted the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office for review regarding possible criminal charges.