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South Portland Police Subdue Man Threatening “Suicide by Cop”

Broadway and Cottage Road South Portland - Google Maps


South Portland Police say a 20-year-old man caused a disruption and led them on a short chase when they tried to stop him for a welfare check Wednesday afternoon.

Officers say the man reportedly threatened to harm himself and made threats to commit “suicide by cop” before stopping in front of the Main Library on Broadway.

Police say the man’s father and a crisis negotiator were brought in after the man called his father on his cell phone.

Officers say the crisis negotiator successfully helped officers de-escalate the situation to bring it to a safe resolution. They say the man was safely taken into custody and taken to an area hospital for evaluation.  

South Portland Police closed down the intersection of Broadway and Cottage Road during the incident

Officers say they also notified the Holy Cross School, Brown School, and Library of the action, which are all located in the immediate area, and instructed the schools to bring any students who were outside indoors.

Police say the notified the South Portland Superintendent of School as well.

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