On May 16, 2017, at approximately 7:21 AM multiple patrol units responded to a male subject experiencing a mental health crisis standing on the overpass bridge overlooking U.S. Route 17/Warrenton Road. Sergeant E. D. Chinault arrived at the scene and observed a male standing on the wall of the bridge poised to jump. A member of the Quantico Fire Department was already on the scene offering assistance as Sergeant Chinault tried to approach the subject to open negotiations with him. Deputies trained in Crisis Negotiations arrived as did other patrol officers. An FBI Negotiator, who was driving by offered his expertise and a Virginia State Police trooper also responded to the scene.

The distressed subject remained on the wall as he repeatedly told the parties to get back and stay away from him. Traffic was stopped in both directions of travel on U.S. Route 17 as negotiators attempted to coax the man off the wall. The distressed subject wanted to contact a family member. To facilitate that contact he stepped off of the wall which allowed Sergeant Chinault to get closer to him. Sergeant Chinault then quickly subdued the subject with the assistance of others. The subject was transported to receive mental health services.