By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Hays Police officers took a man into custody on Friday in Hays after he threatened the officers with a knife.
Police were contacted by High Plains Mental Health Center staff at about 9 a.m. on Friday. The staff at High Plains said a 20-year-old man was in crisis and he had become physical with his father, Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said.
Scheibler said the man left the building but returned and began banging on the door.
When officers arrived on the scene, staff told them the man had a knife, and he said he wanted to "commit suicide by cop," Scheibler said.
When the officers tried to approach the man, he pulled a knife on the officers, Scheibler said.
Initially, the man would not comply with the officers. The officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, according to Scheibler.
The man dropped the knife and ran from the scene, Scheibler said.
After a brief foot chase, the man was taken into custody.
He was arrested on charges of domestic battery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and interference with a law enforcement officer.
The man was referred for a mental health evaluation and treatment.
The man's name was not released because of his mental health status.
Scheibler praised the officers for their actions to disarm the suspect peacefully.
"I am glad that it worked out OK, and I am grateful for the officer's professionalism," Scheibler said.