Woman surrenders after armed standoff

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert police talked a woman thought to be suicidal into surrendering after a standoff in the parking lot of Van Wert County Hospital late Monday night.

Police received a 9-1-1 call about 9 p.m. Monday stating that a woman, whose name was not released, was upset and contemplating suicide and was traveling to Van Wert to purchase ammunition for a handgun she had with her.

Officers put out a bulletin in an attempt to locate the woman, and she was found about 9:20 p.m. sitting in her car in the hospital parking lot. An officer approached the vehicle and requested she get out of the car, but she refused and showed the officer she had a weapon.

Officer Adam Wehage, a trained hostage negotiator, then contacted the woman on her cell phone and finally talked her out of the car shortly after 10 that night.

No one was injured, but police later recovered a loaded handgun from the vehicle.

Police were assisted at the scene by Van Wert County sheriff’s deputies, Van Wert Fire Department personnel and hospital staff.