Police stop teen from shooting himself with shotgun

Two police officers in the US stopped a teenager from killing himself with a shotgun on Monday, June 17.

The officers were notified of the attempted suicide when the 19-year-old’s mother called them over to their neighborhood in New York, as per The New York Post yesterday, June 18.

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The unidentified mother shared with authorities that he made threats toward her and told her he was “not violent and he may have a powerful weapon in a bag.”

As the police officers turned the corner in the stairwell of the complex, the teen was seen sitting on the stairs with his finger on the firearm’s trigger and its barrel aimed at his chin. One of the officers then tried to calm him down, while the other immediately took the gun from the teenager’s grip seconds before the gun went off.

“It happened in a manner of five seconds,” Deputy Inspector Peter Andrea was quoted as saying after reviewing the body camera footage. “I’m very proud of what they did and I think it was very heroic.”

The teen was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the report.  Ryan Arcadio /ra

The Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public, especially those who may have mental health issues, that they can contact the DOH’s 24/7 Hopeline to either help them unburden their emotional baggage or to seek professional help. Hopeline can be reached via hotlines 804-HOPE (4673); 0917-558-HOPE (4673); or 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers.)

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