SANTA CLARA -- Santa Clara police officers were able to de-escalate a standoff at Kaiser hospital with a suicidal patient armed with a replica gun on Tuesday.
Dispatchers received a call just before 5 a.m. from the hospital emergency room reporting a patient making statements to hospital staff about "suicide by cop." Staffers also reported seeing a handgun in the patient's backpack.
When officers arrived, they heard the sounds of a weapon being manipulated and determined the patient was alone, so they backed off to avoid a confrontation and called for crisis negotiators, police said in a press release.
An officer with crisis intervention training communicated with the patient who cooperated shortly afterward and surrendered peacefully. The patient was given mental health services and normal ER operations were restored shortly after 7 a.m.
It was determined the handgun was a realistic-looking and functioning replica firearm, police said.
if you find yourself in a troubling situation, SCPD encourages you to utilize the following community resources:
• Disaster Distress Helpline, 800-985-5990
• Domestic Violence Crisis Line, 800-799-7233
• Emergency, 9-1-1
• National Alliance on Mental Illness, 800-950-6264 or text 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 800-273-8255
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 800-662-4357
• Veteran's Crisis Line, 800-273-8255
All-clear given following police activity at Santa Clara Kaiser hospital
Santa Clara police said the police activity reported before 7 a.m. has been resolved.
"We are pleased to inform you that our staff was able to come to a peaceful resolution with a subject in the emergency room at Kaiser Hospital," police said in a tweet at 7:18 a.m.
The tweet added that a full press release will be distributed later Tuesday.
Police urge people to avoid area around Santa Clara Kaiser hospital
In a tweet at 6:58 a.m., Santa Clara police said officers responded to a call for service at Kaiser hospital but did not offer any additional information.
People were urged to avoid the area until further notice. Hospital staffers heading into work or on-site should follow directions of law enforcement.