A man in his mid-50s killed himself Sunday in the parking lot of the Whittier Hospital Medical Center, police said.

Officers responded to the hospital Sunday morning after reports of a person with a gun and warned people to stay away from the area.

Whittier police Sgt. Dominic Iraldo said it appeared the man was suffering a mental health crisis, and his family came with him to the hospital in an attempt to get him help.

“We don’t know where he got the gun from, but we know it was in the vehicle in the parking lot,” Iraldo said.


If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. A caller is connected to a certified crisis center near where the call is placed. The call is free and confidential.

Norwalk Deputies responded to Whittier Community Hospital regarding a person with a gun. The situation is contained, investigation is ongoing, Please stay clear of the area... pic.twitter.com/pjzRYgynj2 — LASD Norwalk Station (@NorwalkLASD) September 16, 2018

jaclyn.cosgrove@latimes.com

Twitter: @jaclyncosgrove


UPDATES:

2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the man who shot himself.

12:25 p.m.: This article was updated to add that police say someone killed themselves at the hospital.

This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m.