Police responded to a public park to the report of a suicidal man. After a brief standoff, during which the suspect refused to release his handgun, the man surrendered to police.

Bath Police Lieutenant Robert Savary said in a press release that officers responded to a report from a landlady just after 11:30 Monday morning that her tenant might be suicidal and on foot in the area of Downtown Bath. After a quick search, the 41-year-old man was located in the waterfront park, just off Commercial Street.

Officer Mark Steele approached the man and noticed that he had a handgun in his hand. The officer backed away and took cover, while he called for assistance. As more police arrived, the man fired the handgun into the ground.

Police tried to negotiate with the man in the frigid temperatures, while he paced back and forth, keeping the handgun pointed at the ground. After about an hour, the man finally obeyed commands and put the weapon down. He then surrendered to police without further incident.

the man was taken to Midcoast Hospital for a mental health evaluation. Police say it's possible criminal charges will be forthcoming after the mental health professionals treat him.

Bath Police were assisted by deputies from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's office, Officers from Brunswick PD, and a State Police Trooper. Bath Fire Department also assisted by blocking off streets in the area.

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