Man Trying To Light Self On Fire Saved By APD Officer

                                                             City of Arcata
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAN TRYING TO LIGHT SELF ON FIRE SAVED BY APD OFFICER
On July 8, 2011 at about 11:45 am, Officers from the Arcata Police Department responded to the 900 block of 6th Street on the report of an adult male subject pouring gasoline on himself and a building. The male had a lighter and was attempting to ignite the fuel.

 APD coordinated a multi-agency response which included personnel from the Arcata Fire Protection District and a request for assistance from Humboldt County Mental Health Services. Once on scene, APD Officers communicated with the male subject attempting to convince him not to ignite the fuel and prevent any further harm to himself.

As APD staff communicated with the male and waited the arrival of mental health personnel, the male became increasingly agitated and attempted to ignite the fuel.

Due of the immediate risk of severe injury or death to the male subject as well as a significant fire danger to the adjacent buildings, Officer Brian Hoffman of the Arcata Police Department sprang into action.

Without regard for his own personnel safety, Officer Hoffman quietly approached the male subject while other officers distracted him. Once Officer Hoffman was within range, he single-handedly disarmed the male of his lighter and detained him without injury to himself or the male subject.

The quick response from the Arcata Police Department, as well as the quick thinking and immense bravery of Officer Brian Hoffman and the other APD Officers, saved the man's life and prevented untold property damage.

As a precaution, the male subject was transported to the Mad River Hospital for evaluation.