WA: Man threatens police after failed suicide bid

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-1999
WA: Man threatens police after failed suicide bid

PERTH, Aug 8 AAP - A 29-year-old man threatened to kill police last night after he failed
in an attempt to commit suicide.

The man from Halls Head, approximately 75 kilometres south of Perth, had attached a hose
pipe from his car's exhaust system and was close to passing out when a nearby motorist came to
his rescue.

The passerby disconnected the hose and assisted the man, who became abusive before driving
off.

The motorist recorded the man's registration and passed the details onto police, who then
telephoned the man.

Police spokesperson Robin Rosling said when police phoned the man he claimed to be an
off-duty officer.

"He gave us his name and tried to pass himself off as a police officer who was off-duty,
but it became clear quite quickly he was not," Inspector Rosling said.

"He also told us he had killed his wife, but that was also not true, and then he threatened
to blow away anyone who came near to his house."

Police secured the area around the man's home and despite continuing his tirade of abuse
and threats, negotiators were able to calm the man down.

Inspector Rosling said the man surrendered to police earlier this morning, more than six
hours after the drama began.

"Mandurah police are still interviewing the man and inquiries are continuing as to what, if
any, charges are to be laid." Inspector Rosling said.

AAP ajm/adh/de

KEYWORD: HOSEPIPE

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