Suicide attempt with hazmat scare

Pocono Mountain Regional police reported investigating a suicide attempt which involved a hazmat scare. The incident was reported about 12:47 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, at the Tobyhanna State Park in Tobyhanna. Police gave the following account of what happened.

Officers were dispatched to the park to a report of a possible suicide attempt. The officers were advised while en route that the attempt may involve the use of hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic and flammable gas.

Upon arrival officers were met by park service police and fire department personnel. Due to the hazmat environmental scare, a portion of SR423 was shutdown.

Fire personnel approached a vehicle and noted chemicals present inside along with a 23-year-old male who was conscious. Fire personnel were able to remove the male from the vehicle. He was then decontaminated. During this time the male attempted to flee the area on foot but was restrained by fire personnel.

The male was taken by ambulance personnel to the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg, with police escort, for a mental health evaluation.

The Monroe County Emergency Management director then coordinated the hazmat clean up of the vehicle. Police will consult with the county district attorney's office concerning any criminal charges being filed.

Police were assisted by Coolbaugh and Tobyhanna Army Depot fire companies, ambulance personnel and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officers.