CNN reported that Trepierre Hummons, a Cincinnati man, allegedly dialed 911 and then killed the police officer that responded and went to the scene. Reportedly the man had sent text and Facebook messages about his plan to “commit suicide by cop.”
Policer officer Sonny Kim, 48, was killed on the scene. Then, Hummons opened fire on two more officers, said Cincinnati Police Chief Jeffery Blackwell.
Officers shot the suspect during a struggle. Officer Kim and Hummons died in the hospital.
Dispatch tapes released by police recorded that Hummons had called 911 stating that he was concerned about a man acting erratically with a gun, “He’s walking around getting belligerent with a gun,” Hummons told the operator.
Police reports stated that Hummons had sent a few text messages about his plan to commit suicide by police and said goodbye on Facebook. “I love every last one of y’all to whoever has been in my life ….”
Hummons’ cryptic goodbye message received dozens of comments, likes and shares. No one notified the authorities about these messages. Officer Blackwell said he wishes someone would have notified police about the messages.
Statements of suicidal plans should be taken seriously and shared with proper authorities who can intervene. People can call local law enforcement, mental health crisis centers, or hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Center’s hotline.
