Woman suffers mental health crisis at east side church, in critical condition

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – One woman is in critical condition after suffering what is being described as a possible mental health crisis at an east side church, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

IMPD says they were initially called to a church in the 6600 block of East 42nd Street just before 8:30 Wednesday evening.

After arriving on scene, officers were told that a woman was enduring a mental health crisis who had become combative with members of the congregation.

Police say that a behavioral health officer was in the congregation and did try to help prior to the officers’ arrival.

When the officers started to approach the woman, she did become combative towards the officers. At that time the woman was restrained and placed in handcuffs.

Shortly after the handcuffs were put on the woman, police say she stopped breathing.

The officers then quickly removed the handcuffs and CPR was administered.

Emergency medical personnel was then called to the scene, police say. The woman was transported to Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition.

Officers say the more than 20 people inside the church at the time of this incident are said to be cooperating with police in the investigation.