Another Timely Warning has been published recently about a suicidal man who has been making threats toward the school.
“An upset individual phoned CPD dispatch and made suicidal threats,” Police Chief Daniel Piazza said.
Suicide prevention has been a large issue in the United States for the past several years.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website, suicide has been cited as the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, with the rate of suicide being the highest in middle aged white men.
The website further noted that from 2020 onwards, men died by suicide 3.88 times more than women. On average, there are 130 suicides per day, and 52.83 percent of suicides are due to firearms.
White males accounted for 69.68 percent of suicide deaths from 2020 onwards, and 93 percent of adults surveyed in the US think that suicide can be prevented.
The OCCCPD has dealt with this man in the past. In their Timely Warning, it said the campus doesn’t appear to be in any danger as of the writing of the post, but that the OCCCPD would let everyone know from another notice if this changes.
Chief Piazza has been hard at work alongside the rest of the police department in order to deal with the situation at hand.
Chief Piazza said the person had been in trouble with the OCCC police department in the past and has been arrested several times for crimes ranging from threatening a violent act, trespassing and operating a vehicle while his license was suspended, and warrants for his arrest due to his previous actions.
Chief Piazza said that he hopes that the man will get the appropriate help that he needs once he is apprehended by the police, and that he had been given some help in the past from the OCCCPD and OKCPD.
“The Oklahoma City Police Department and OCCC CPD was able to conduct a wellness check on the individual,” he said.
The Timely Warnings have been part of the OCCCPD’s efforts to try and better connect with the OCCC students and faculty.
Piazza said he wanted to let students know that the OCCCPD is here to help anyone during a time of crisis.
“As stated by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, “Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives,” he said.
The OCCCPD recently partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
They also received a grant that purchased IPads, which allows instant access to licensed counselors at NorthCare, Red Rock, and Hope, with no charge for the individuals who call.
The OCCCPD provides at least one Crisis Intervention Trained Officer 24/7.
“These officers specialize in mental health and crisis intervention,” Chief Piazza said.
Piazza recommended that students and faculty contact the OCCCPD immediately at 405-682-7872 if this man is seen on OCCC’s campus.
He also gave the National Suicide Prevention Hotline phone number: 1-800-273 TALK (8255).
If anyone has information about this man, contact the OCCCPD by phone, OCCC shield (the smart phone app), call boxes, or using the emergency button on any campus phone.
About Post Author
