Reno police officers responded to a crisis call involving a person armed with a knife and threatening to harm themselves near Longley Lane, where officers ultimately used less-lethal force to take the person into custody.
According to the Reno Police Department in an online post, officers responded to the call on Longley Lane near Rock Boulevard at about 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 7 after receiving a report of a person in crisis.
Police said the person was near a busy roadway and a populated area, so multiple officers responded and set up a perimeter to keep the person and the public safe.
Officers spent time communicating with the person and trying to de-escalate the situation. During the interaction, the person continued making threats toward officers while holding the knife.
After continued efforts to resolve the situation peacefully, officers deployed a 40 mm less-lethal sponge round.
The person then ran toward a local child center and fell to the ground. The person continued to hold the knife, and officers deployed a TASER. An officer was then able to move the knife away from the person and secure it.
The person was evaluated by medical personnel and taken into custody for further evaluation and assistance.
"The Reno Police Department recognizes that calls involving a person experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis are sensitive and challenging. Our officers respond to these types of calls on a regular basis and work to resolve them as safely as possible for everyone involved."
Police said they will not release the person's name out of respect for their privacy and to allow them to receive appropriate care and support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, help is available. In an emergency, call 911. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
VIDEO DISCLAIMER: SENSITIVE CONTENT
The following body-worn camera footage contains sensitive content, including a mental health crisis, threats of self-harm, police use of force, and vulgar or profane language. Viewer discretion is advised. Some portions of the footage may be disturbing or upsetting.
(Reno Police Department contributed to this story.)
