LIMA — A Mississippi man who authorities say was having a “mental episode” at Coleman Health Services on Thursday was able to obtain and discharge a shotgun located inside a Lima Police Department cruiser, according to a statement from police.
Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of South Main Street at approximately 6:30 p.m. in reference to Antonia Brown, 39, who was experiencing paranoia. Brown was placed in the police cruiser for transport to Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center. While officers were talking with Coleman staffers, Brown reportedly was able to reach through the cruiser’s protective shield, manipulate the shotgun from its locked location and fire a shot through the roof of the cruiser.
Officers were able to gain control of Brown and he was transported to the hospital and admitted for further evaluation. No one was injured as a result of the incident.
