Behind the Badge
A man carrying a small samurai sword threatening to stab himself in the middle of Garden Grove Blvd was talked down by a Westminster police officer and taken to a local hospital.
Officer David Ramirez responded to reports of a man walking in the area, yelling and carrying a pipe-like object at about 12:40 a.m. on Dec. 8 in the 5700 block of Garden Grove Boulevard.
When Ramirez arrived, he saw the man standing in the eastbound No. 1 lane of Garden Grove Blvd.
Police said he had a blank stare on his face and was carrying a small samurai sword.
Ramirez started to talk to the man and watched as the suspect grabbed the sword, lifted it above his head, then lowered it to his stomach as if he was going to stab himself.
Ramirez stayed calm, continued to talk to the man and tried to coax the suspect to his knees.
The suspect finally complied and was arrested.
Police said the man had superficial knife wound on his right arm, so he was taken to the hospital.
Ramirez later learned the man had a history of mental illness.
The officer was recently honored with a commendation from Police Chief Kevin Baker for his actions that morning.
“Officer Ramirez did not force a confrontation and he stayed a safe distance away,” said Cmdr. Mike Chapman, who recommended the officer be honored. “His initial actions, no doubt, contributed to a safe outcome for all involved.”
