When individuals have mental health issues, they may find it difficult to react to certain situations in the proper manner. Unfortunately, these types of situations could escalate, and an individual may find him or herself facing criminal charges. If a weapon was involved in such a situation, that individual may accusations relating to gun crime.
One man in Minnesota is currently facing such a situation. It was reported that the man suffers from unspecified mental health issues. When his parents confronted him about an issue, he reportedly threatened them. As a result of the alleged incident, the man’s parents called the police. Authorities arrived at the scene, and the man was sitting on a couch covered by a blanket.
Officers apparently suspected that the man may have been hiding something under the blanket and reportedly asked him to show them what it was. When he did remove the blanket, the man was allegedly holding a gun, which he reportedly pointed at the officers. The officers fired their own weapons at the man, and he was injured in the incident. It was determined that the man’s gun was a semi-automatic BB gun. Nonetheless, he is currently facing charges for possession of a firearm and second-degree assault.
The allegations leveled against the man could have serious consequences if a conviction comes about. However, he has the ability to defend against the gun crime charges, and his mental health could potentially play a role in that defense. If he wishes to find out more, information regarding similar cases in Minnesota may help him better understand his situation.
Source: CBS Minnesota, “Charges: Mpls. Man Shot By Police After Pointing BB Handgun At Them“, Aug. 12, 2015