MONROE, Wash. — The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office rescued a man accused of setting his own home on fire while experiencing a mental health crisis.
The man, in his 60s, called 911 and said he had a gun and thought he’d shot someone inside his home.
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It happened on August 17 on Woods Lake Road.
As deputies arrived, they heard between 20 and 30 gunshots coming from the home.
According to the department, the man was firing at perceived threats that were not actually present and then set his home on fire.
Deputies used a drone to find him before approaching the home to help the man out through a window.
“This incident was an example of how quickly a behavioral health crisis can escalate into a life-threatening situation,” the department said. “The actions of the deputies and other first responders ultimately helped prevent further injury or loss of life during an extremely dangerous and devastating event. Thank you to the first responders who helped save this individual and transport him for additional treatment.”
The man was taken by an ambulance to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett for further evaluation and involuntary behavioral health treatment.