Suicidal Man with Knife in Westfield Cuts Himself, Refuses Aid

This is a developing story. Details are preliminary and subject to change as more information becomes available.

At approximately 5:29 PM, Vermont State Police responded to a report of a male with suicidal ideation holding a knife at a residence on Green Hill Road in Holland. Subsequent updates indicate the location is West Hill at Route 100 in Westfield. The subject was reportedly yelling at a female party on scene. At 5:39 PM, dispatch reported that the subject had escalated: the knife was in front of him, his wife was scared, and blood was pouring from his arm. The subject had apparently cut himself. Units on scene are attempting to make contact with the subject.

At approximately 5:43 PM, dispatch reported that the subject was refusing to take any precautions to stop the bleeding. He told his wife that he was cutting himself with the intention of ending his life. He was in a recliner in the living room. The wife, who has a history of stroke, was unable to leave the residence.

At 5:45 PM, units advised that the subject was not currently holding the knife, but it was in front of him. The knife was described as a hunting knife approximately three to four inches long. At 5:46 PM, the subject moved into the bedroom, where there are multiple knives. At the same time, dispatch reported that firearms were present in the hallway. Police are working to de-escalate the situation.

By 5:52 PM, officers confirmed that no firearms were located inside the residence. However, the subject continued to make statements about putting a bullet in his brain, indicating he did not care about going to jail or losing the house. He continued to escalate. At 5:53 PM, the subject no longer had the knife in his hand, but it remained in front of him. Communication with the female on scene, identified as Mary, was lost momentarily. The situation remains ongoing.

At approximately 6:04 PM, EMS arrived on scene. Dispatch notified mental health police to initiate an evaluation for a potential transport to a medical facility. At 6:15 PM, a mental health clinician was en route with an estimated 20-minute arrival time. Shortly after, dispatch advised that the subject would be transported to North Country Hospital due to his injuries.

Photo: L R via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.