Meridian Police and paramedics responded to what dispatchers termed “a critical incident” near the intersection of Eagle and Overland Roads Wednesday morning.
The incident started about 9 a.m. when witnesses reported seeing a Hispanic man with a gun acting suspiciously in a convenience store parking lot.
When officers arrived, the man got into a nearby unoccupied car and refused to obey officers’ commands.
Police set up a perimeter around the area and closed the eastbound on-ramp on Interstate 84 as a precaution. Eagle Road between Overland and Victory Roads was also shut down.
Paramedics staged nearby.
The man later got out of the car, but kept his hands behind his back while still continuing to refuse officers’ commands.
“(We) ultimately deployed a less-than-lethal bean bag round, after the suspect kept reaching into his pockets,” said Meridian Deputy Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. “The round was not effective and officers were ultimately able to talk the suspect into surrendering.”
“Through the investigation, officers discovered the call was made by the suspect who they believe was attempting suicide by cop,” Basterrechea added.
The man was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian for evaluation.
His name was not released.
