The following is a press release issued by the Fort Bragg Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On March 20, 2023 at approximately 11:27 PM, officers of the Fort Bragg Police Department responded to assist the Adventist Health Mendocino Coast ambulance after a request for emergency assistance. An as-of-yet unidentified male had become agitated while being transported, and began fighting medical staff.
During the altercation, the suspect was able to obtain a pair of medical shears requiring the ambulance crew to stop and evacuate the ambulance. He was able to free himself, utilizing the medical shears and began chasing medical staff around the ambulance while brandishing the shears in a threatening manner.
Upon arrival, Officers observed the suspect was running from the area of the ambulance towards the area of the Sea Bird Lodge and carrying the shears. As officers approached and ordered him to stop, he began making slashing motions and threatening gestures with the shears towards officers. Officers began attempting to de-escalate the situation and requesting compliance. The suspect did not comply, and continued through the parking lot of the Sea Bird Lodge and onto the 700 block of South Franklin Street as officers followed.
Once at South Franklin Street, the suspect ran from officers northbound on South Franklin Street, eventually stopping in the parking lot of the Cottages at Cypress Street, which is a senior living facility. Officers continued to attempt to de-escalate the situation with the suspect continuing to make threatening gestures with the shears towards officers and himself. He approached a residence at the location and attempted to enter. Officers had personal knowledge he did not live there. Officers feared for the safety of the occupants in the residence and believed the suspect was going to force entry. An officer on scene deployed their TASER device successfully, allowing the suspect to be taken into custody without further incident.
After being taken into custody the suspect was taken to the emergency room at the Adventist Mendocino Coast Hospital for medical treatment and mental health evaluation. Drugs may be a factor in this case. The suspect is facing several charges as yet to be determined.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Acting Sergeant Ferris of the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707)961-2800 ext 139.
This information is being released by Sergeant Jon McLaughlin. All media inquiries should contact him at jmclaughlin@fortbragg.com.
