UPDATE: Police respond to person in crisis in Gatewood

| Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Police blocking road near scene)

3:20 PM: Thanks for all the tips. Avoid California SW in Gatewood between Portland and Ida – there’s a big police response. Initial scanner traffic indicated police were trying to make contact with a possibly armed man in a house in the 7700 block of California.

Officers just knocked on the door and went inside.

3:39 PM: Our crew says police came back out without anyone, but there’s someone in a squad car. That doesn’t necessarily mean an arrest; we are waiting to talk to the sergeant on scene to find out more.

3:49 PM: Police tell us the person they have in custody is the person they were called about because of concern he was going to harm himself. They did not find anyone else in the house; no one is injured. They expect to be at the scene a while longer, and the road is still partly blocked. (Whenever we mention crisis situations like this, we also always mention the local 24-hour Crisis Clinic hotline – 206-461-3222.)

5:02 PM: Just got a chance to go back and check the area. The road is open again.

Angeline October 12, 2015 (11:24 am)

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. Our son, who is struggling with an addiction to xanax, almost took his life on his 19th birthday. This incident occurred because of the substance abuse. We hope he will get the help he needs. Thanks go out to the officers that arrived at the scene. Asking for prayers for our son and that he may find courage and strength to help him overcome his battle with addiction. Thank you

WSB October 12, 2015 (11:30 am)

Thank you for the update, Angeline. I am the mother of a 19-year-old too and know this is a difficult time in a young adult’s life even without that kind of challenge. Hoping for your son’s recovery – Tracy (editor)

cherstefano October 13, 2015 (10:18 am)

We will keep your family in our prayers and admire your courage in sharing this so prominent problem in all of our lives. So thankful your son was not harmed and he can still get help.Amen

Gabby October 13, 2015 (11:01 pm)

Angeline, I am so sorry. Your son is not alone. It is essential that benzo withdrawal be done slowly over several weeks so that withdrawal symptoms are tolerable and safe, preferably under the care of a doctor. This long withdrawal is discouraging to many people and can lead to feelings of hopelessness. Most docs will suggest switching to Valium for the withdrawal for the longer half life, it helps reduce the mood swings one gets from tapering down the more short-acting Xanax. I will pray for your son to be brave and to know he is not alone.

i'mcoveredinbees October 14, 2015 (5:57 pm)

Hey Angeline,

Very sorry to hear about your son’s struggles. That is a rough addiction and I know how stressful it is on the family. So sorry. Your family is in our thoughts and we are sending you out very good vibes.

Sorry, comment time is over.