Two constables with the Belleville Police Service are being commended for successfully de-escalating a dangerous situation.
On October 27, 2024, constables Monique Waite and Michelle Harper were parked in their police vehicle when a man approached them told them he had a hammer in coat and wanted to kill himself.
In a report to the Belleville Police Services Board, it states that the man then backed away from the police vehicles and pulled out a large 12″ kitchen knife and pointed the knife against his chest.
The intoxicated man then demanded police shoot him.
Constable Waite spoke with the male and was able to de-escalate the situation to the point where the man threw the knife away.
Constable Harper moved in and, with the help of Constable Waite, apprehended the man without incident.
The man was then taken to hospital for psychiatric assessment.
