On October 15, 2020 at approximately 4:14PM, Watertown Police Officers and a Codington County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a residence in Northwest Watertown.  A man in his twenties was threatening suicide with a knife.  Responding units were notified that the man was threatening “Suicide by Cop.”

Upon arrival, the man was located outside the residence.  The man was holding a large kitchen butcher knife.  He would put the knife to his throat and stomach. He was in a mental health crisis and agitated.  At one point he walked aggressively toward the officers.

Officers and the Deputy utilized de-escalation tactics while communicating with the man.  A rapport was established and the man eventually threw the knife down.  He was taken into protective custody.   He was transported to the Codington County Detention Center to be evaluated by a Mental Health Professional.