Pittsfield Township teen who left suicide note found unhurt at friend's home
Earlier story: Missing Pittsfield Township juvenile believed to be suicidal, police say
Police have called off a search for a missing Pittsfield Township teen who wrote a suicide note after finding him at a friend's home in Ann Arbor.
The boy was found unharmed around 3:45 p.m. Sunday at a home on the city's south side, Ann Arbor Police Sgt. Mike Scherba said.
"He was safe and sound at his friend's house, and once he was found the dive efforts that were going on ceased," he said.
The boy, 16, was returned to his parents' home, Pittsfield Township police Sgt. Ryan Reppert said.
The boy's parents first reported him missing around 6 p.m. Saturday and found a note saying he was contemplating drowning himself in the Huron River. An identical, typewritten note was found Sunday morning at Gallup Park, leading Ann Arbor police and a Washtenaw County Sheriff's dive team to comb the river and its banks for the teen.
Police tracked down the juvenile after obtaining names of friends from the boy's girlfriend. The boy appeared to have been distraught over problems with his girlfriend and other issues, Scherba said.
Reppert declined to say whether police in Pittsfield Township would pursue psychiatric counseling for the teen.
If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts or would like to speak with someone, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Help is available 24 hours a day.
Contact freelancer Sven Gustafson at sventg123(at)gmail(dot)com, or follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Nichole
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 11:42 p.m.
This is exactly why we need mental health services. People who believe otherwise can sit back and watch more of this happen....
jcj
Tue, Jan 22, 2013 : 12:30 a.m.
True but someone has to get them there.
Cedric Richner
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 4:59 p.m.
This is great news. My daughter, wife, and I went for a walk at Furstenberg Park on Sunday morning and there were six police cars and two ambulances and big group of police officers all engaged in the search. We were sad for most of the day until we saw the posting that he was found later in the day on Sunday. What a relief. I hope he now knows that there are a lot of people out there who care about him!
Carole
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
Agree with bigbud -- please make sure this young man gets all the help he needs to move forward with his life. God bless.
Salbolal
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
I was walking the dog in the park yesterday and saw the dive team...let me just say, I am truly grateful for our search and rescue people who are amazing....I was freezing, and I was not diving in the cold Huron River or standing on the banks directing the search, I can't imagine...how awful to be hoping, and not hoping, to find something.
OLDTIMER3
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
@johnnya2, Where I live if you or someone calls the fie dept you or your insurance are billed a service charge if it was real or not.
YpsiLivin
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
Hunterjim, I'm not sure where OldTimer3 lives, but not every municipality offers fire services via property taxes. There are places where fire services are available only if you've paid out-of-pocket for them. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39516346/ns/us_news-life/t/no-pay-no-spray-firefighters-let-home-burn/#.UP1_h-hV-Gg
Hunterjim
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Then why include fire service in your property tax.
skigrl
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 11:46 a.m.
I'm having a hard time understanding why it was reported that he was returned to his parents and not directly to the psych ER. Seems that anyone that distraught should be immediately sent for psychiatric help.
music to my ear
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
the parents may have agreed to seek help when the police brought him home .
Linda Peck
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 3:21 a.m.
I too am very thankful and prayers are coming for his well being and his family's well being.
tom swift jr.
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 1:36 a.m.
A couple of comments: The police can't " pursue psychiatric counseling for the teen"...what does that mean?? He hasn't been charged with anything. The parents shouldn't be "billed", they didn't do anything, and the decision to send out the dive team was the police departments. There was no "false alarm". Let's just hope the family gets the help they need and let's avoid speculations about a situation we have no knowledge about and no right to comment on.
Basic Bob
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 2:28 a.m.
I'm sure the police can encourage the boy and his parents to get help. They can be very persuasive, even without threatening to charge anyone.
music to my ear
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 1:33 a.m.
I to was glad he was found safe,if he is reading these comments we are grateful and I am sure your parents are too, just know young man I am sure you are loved by many, and can turn to anyone to talk out your problems. old and young people we all have issues and talking about them helps us reach solutions.in the future talk to mom or dad they know alot.
Cash
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 1:01 a.m.
Thank God.
stevek
Sun, Jan 20, 2013 : 11:59 p.m.
Glad he was found safe. This is what Mental health services should be offered for, not every single lowlife that commits murder and their lawyer claims they aren't responsible because of mental issues. Good luck
1bigbud
Sun, Jan 20, 2013 : 10:45 p.m.
THANK God but now Will someone make sure this young man GETS All the help needed PLEASE