Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Man Trying to Commit Suicide Throws Chemical on Officers
Eight Los Angeles County sheriff’s officers suffered minor injuries Friday morning in Newhall when a man who tried to commit suicide threw a caustic chemical on them, authorities said.
Seven Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s deputies and one sergeant were treated and released from Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital after they complained of chest pains, shortness of breath and burning skin and eyes after the incident, authorities said.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Lichten said a sample of the liquid chemical was taken as evidence but had not been analyzed.
Earl Richard Johnson, 35, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
About 6 a.m. Friday, deputies went to Johnson’s Adamsboro Drive house after Johnson’s wife told police he had taken a large quantity of pills and was trying to kill himself, Lichten said.
Johnson was despondent over financial problems, his wife told authorities.
Johnson, who is under observation at Henry Mayo hospital, is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.
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