Potential suicide averted by Jackson police

Quick response and painstaking, methodical engagement by Jackson Township police lead a man considering suicide to relent.

The incident unfolded late Sunday night at a house in Kings North Road, according to informaiton on the Jackson PD Facebook page.

Officers Anthony Riso and Phil Minissale, looking into an abandoned 911 call, were told on arrival by a resident that a 51-year-old man had taken several medications, then taken a large knife into a separate room.

The officers found him perched on a couch, pressing a large steak knife against his abdomen, authorities said.

Riso and Minissale called for Jackson First Aiders, drew their weapons and began talks aimed at separating him from the knife - a dialog that continued for about 30 minutes, police said.

Sergeant Frank Mendez and Officer Shannon Foote arrived to assist, and the team eventually convinced him to toss the knife. They secured it and arranged for his transfer to hospitalization, authorities said.