Jamestown police subdue man in tree

The Jamestown Police Department tased a man threatening to kill himself Saturday, saying the officer feared the man would harm himself.

Officers responded to a domestic call in southwest Jamestown around 2:19 a.m. Sunday. According to Police Chief David Donegan, officers located a 31-year-old Jamestown man in a tree at the residence of the man and his wife. The man was in the tree about 12-15 feet above the ground with a noose around his neck, threatening to kill himself.

Officers asked him to come down multiple times, police said. When he refused, police parked an SUV patrol car under the man, so if he jumped, he would land on the roof, Donegan said. An officer also climbed into the aerial bucket of a Jamestown Fire Department ladder truck and was raised close to the individual. The officer asked the man to get into the bucket. The man refused and continued his threats. He then pulled out a spring-loaded knife, pressing it into his throat. Fearing the man would hurt himself, the officer deployed the taser, Donegan said.

When struck by the taser, the man fell from the tree to the roof of the patrol car, causing “extensive damage,” Donegan said.

Once on the ground, the man was taken into custody. He was also treated for minor injuries and released from Jamestown Regional Medical Center. He was then turned over to mental health personnel, Donegan said.

The state’s attorney’s office is reviewing reports, Donegan said, saying he is unsure if charges will be filed.

No other injuries were reported.

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