Bemidji man taken into custody after asking police to shoot him

Bemidji police fired pepper spray and then took into custody a man who was reportedly armed with a knife and suicidal on Thursday.

The police department says it responded to a welfare check at approximately 8:45 p.m. at a residence on 21st Street Northwest, and learned that the man had been acting "erratic throughout the day" and had made "suicidal comments."

Police say officers tried "verbal de-escalation tactics," noting he appeared to be suffering from a mental health episode and "exhibiting delusions."

He then took out a knife and asked officers to shoot him.

Officers continued to talk with the man, asking him to drop the knife before firing PepperBall ammunition at him, causing him to drop the knife.

Officers took him into custody on a medical hold, where he was then taken to a hospital for mental health treatment. There are no charges pending at this time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text MN to 741741.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.