Man reported missing surrenders to police after threatening suicide-by-cop

The search for a missing man in northeastern Minnesota Tuesday afternoon ultimately resulted in a man being taken into custody after threatening suicide-by-cop.

The Burnett County Sheriffs office first notified the Pine County Sheriff's Office around 5:47 p.m. that a missing person was entering Pine County on Highway 70 from Burnett. They were told the person was suicidal and deputies quickly responded.

Officers found the man's car and positioned themselves behind it, before the vehicle suddenly stopped. The man exited the car and told police "shoot me and I will shoot" before driving off into a field approach.

The pursuit was ended after eight miles, with the vehicle found a short time later by the Kanabec County Sheriff's Office. With the assistance from Pine County's SWAT team, Kanabec deputies deployed a drone over the car and confirmed there was a gun in the car.

After attempts at de-escalation, the man finally left the car and surrendered to police. They were taken to the hospital to be evaluated by medical staff.

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

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.

Related: Bemidji man taken into custody after asking police to shoot him