The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office Mental Health Task Force on Tuesday helped a citizen who was suffering from psychosis.
According to a press release from the agency, the Georgia State Patrol contacted the Mental Health Task Force for assistance. The citizen had abandoned their vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 85 and jumped over the barbed wire fence to reach the GSP headquarters in Suwanee.
The Mental Health Task Force responded to the scene and determined the citizen was in a state of psychosis and was speaking incoherently.
"The citizen was in a manic state and was in critical need of medical attention," the release said.
Mental Health Task Force Commander Major Maldonado (LPC) signed a 1013 form, and the citizen was safely transported and released to Northside Duluth Hospital to receive mental health care.
The release said this situation was an example of the task force's mission to prevent people from entering the criminal justice system when they need truly need medical attention.
Deputies in the Mental Health Task Force have assisted in over 290 calls over the past year in which citizens would have otherwise entered the criminal justice system.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Hotline at 1-800-715-4225.
