Hazel Dell businesses locked down as Clark County deputies respond to suicide threat

Several Hazel Dell businesses were in lockdown Monday morning as crisis negotiators attempted to help an armed man who was threatening suicide.

Clark County sheriff’s deputies responded at 5:24 a.m. to a parking lot at Northeast 78th Street and 13th Avenue for a 911 caller who said he was armed with a handgun and going to die by suicide, according to a news release. Deputies told nearby businesses to lock their doors.

Deputies offered assistance to the man over the phone, and fire and medical personnel staged nearby to assist. The man then abruptly hung up the phone, the news release states.

The crisis hotline attempted to call the man back multiple times, but he refused to answer, the sheriff’s office said.

The man died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the news release. Deputies recovered his firearm and said there is no danger to the community.

The sheriff’s office has not released his identity.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 to speak to a trained counselor. People can also contact the Southwest Washington Crisis Line at 800-626-8137 to utilize 24/7 behavioral health services through Clark County Crisis Services. If there is immediate danger, the sheriff’s office encourages people to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.