By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – Access in and out of the downtown Port Angeles Safeway and its parking lot was closed off by police for a time Monday afternoon after a man hopped into the back of an ambulance and claimed to have a gun.
Deputy Police Chief Jason Viada told KONP that first responders from PA Fire and Olympic Ambulance were at a call at Safeway for a medical incident when a man who “appeared to be suffering from a combination of drug abuse and mental health issues” climbed into an ambulance uninvited and refused to leave. The man said he was homicidal and suicidal.
The medics requested a law enforcement response, and soon after a trained negotiator arrived and spoke at length with the suspect. Other officers on scene worked to keep people in the store and in the parking lot away from the incident.
Viada said that during negotiations the suspect gave a detailed description of his handgun and made the statement, “I’m going to kill you, or you’re going to kill me” and reached into his waistband.
After about twenty minutes of negotiation, 54-year-old Darrell Healer surrendered to officers, was transported to the hospital for clearance, and then booked into the jail for Harassment, Obstructing, and Vehicle Prowl. No gun was found.
The prosecutor is reviewing the case for possible charges.