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Deputy Handles Tough Situation Perfectly, Preventing Suicide By Cop (NSFW)
Published 3 years ago
A Deputy assigned to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office applied near perfect, de-escalation tactics during a disorderly conduct situation, saving a man from a suicide by cop attempt.
On November 1st, 2021, Deputy Rene Meza responded to a home located in the 10000 block of E. Running Coyote Trail, in Hereford. Upon arriving at the residence, Deputy Meza was immediately confronted by the suspect, 40 year-old Helgar Rosas, his wife, and parents. As Rosas exited the home, Deputy Meza observed a "long-rifle" in his possession.
In response, Deputy Meza drew his firearm and provided verbal commands to Rosas to drop the weapon. Additionally, Rosas' mother and wife attempted to convince Deputy Meza, that the weapon was not real and that he was "under stress". Provided these circumstances, Deputy Meza put his own life at risk, as he maneuvered around his cruiser, avoiding Rosas direct line of sight. As the situation continued to unfold, Rosas closed the distance between himself and Deputy Meza.
Giving ample time and numerous commands, Deputy Meza was forced to fire his weapon, striking Rosas in the upper chest and eliminating him as a threat. Rosas dropped the firearm and surrendered to Deputy Meza.
Deputy Meza maintained the crime scene until additional deputies and EMS arrived on scene. Rosas was provided medical aid on the scene and later transported to a hospital in Tucson. Rosas survived his gun inflicted injuries and was later booked into the Cochise County Jail on three counts of aggravated assault and one count of Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct.
No deputies were injured during this incident.
