The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an incident that occurred this morning, February 18, 2016 at the Stafford County Courthouse located at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford County. At approximately 9:57 am sheriff’s deputies became aware of a male subject who was at the bottom of the stairs outside the main entrance to the courthouse. The male subject was actively cutting himself with a box cutter when he was approached by 2nd Lieutenant Lee Peters. Second Lieutenant Peters ordered the male subject to drop the box cutter and subsequently wrestled the subject to the ground. The male subject continued to resist and it took three additional deputies to get the subject handcuffed and into custody. The subject was transported to Stafford Hospital Center with non-life threatening injuries. The subject is expected to receive treatment for his self-inflicted injuries as well as undergo a mental health examination.

The male subject (age 57), whose name is not being released, was scheduled for a 10:00 am hearing in the General District Court on a misdemeanor charge. No charges have been filed related to this incident.

“The quick action of 2nd Lieutenant Peters as well as all of those involved prevented further injury to this man who was clearly suffering from a mental breakdown.” stated Sheriff David Decatur. “This incident had the potential to turn out very badly and I’m confident that this man is alive today because of the split second decision made by our deputies.”