Questions on Tragedy

Regarding the recent shooting of Paul Reynolds, according to published reports he suffered from bipolar manic-depressive illness and had stopped taking his prescribed medication. This lapse, which is not uncommon for such persons, subsequently led to his confrontation with a deputy who, in order to protect himself and others, shot and killed Mr. Reynolds.

My question is this: Why didn’t one of his family members or associates get psychiatric intervention for him when it was discovered that he had ceased taking his medication? Why was he allowed to become ill to the point that law enforcement was called in to handle the situation?

ROBERT BRADEN, San Diego