CHAT News File Photo

By CHAT News Today

Minor injuries

Officer head-butted, bit during mental health call

May 8, 2020 | 1:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A man will face charges after head-butting and biting a Medicine Hat police officer in Crescent Heights today.

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service attended a mental health-related call involving a 24-year-old male.

“Officers attempted to negotiate with the male and were required to apprehend him under the Mental Health Act for his own safety and the safety of others, as the male refused to voluntarily obtain assistance for his complex needs,” reads a release from MHPS.

The male attempted to flee as officers moved to arrest him. They prevented his escape, and the suspect then assaulted an officer.

Officers used O/C (pepper) spray to subdue male and took him into custody.

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Police will not release the name of the male, who has been charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. He was taken to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for treatment related to ongoing mental health concerns.

The officer sustained minor injuries.

Police remind residents that several agencies within the City of Medicine Hat provide mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone experiencing mental health concerns, or worried about others contact:

Alberta Health Services Addictions and Mental Health 403-529-3500 or online at albertahealthservices.ca or the Canadian Mental Health Association at 403-504-1811 or at cmha.ca.