Monica LaSalle, Nederland. On May 26, 2019, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Boulder County dispatch received a call in reference to a male and female party who were calling from a residence in the 100 block of Barker Road in Nederland. The incident evolved into shots being fired from inside the residence. The female party later was able to leave the residence while the male barricaded himself inside the home. The Nederland Marshal’s Office along with assistance from the Boulder County SWAT team, Longmont PD SWAT, Boulder PD SWAT, Boulder Emergency Squad, Nederland Fire Protection District and American Medical Response (AMR) were called to assist with the incident.

The male party was in contact with members of the Boulder County SWAT team and refused to comply with lawful orders to exit the residence. Ultimately, the male party did come out of the residence and was arrested for the charges of Felony Menacing (18-3-206; Class 5 Felony), Unlawful sexual contact (18-3-404(c)(2); Class 1 Misdemeanor), Indecent Exposure (18-7-302; Class 1 Misdemeanor), Prohibited use of a weapon (18-12-106; Class 2 Misdemeanor), and Reckless Endangerment (18-3-2018; Class 3 Misdemeanor). During the incident, Everbridge was utilized to notify nearby residents to “shelter in place” while the incident was occurring and later to give the “all clear.”  The male party was taken to a nearby hospital for medical clearance and then transported to the Boulder County Jail on the above noted charges.

These are the cold, hard, official facts of the situation that occurred on Sunday in Nederland, lasting 9 hours with most Nederland residents on pins and needles hoping for a positive outcome that would not include any more shooting. In a community and a nation that has been overrun with dramatic events involving violence and aggression, tensions can run high and the waiting is agony. Yet the positive response from residents was overwhelmingly compassionate, concerned and hopeful for all involved. Testimonies on social media reflected on a man who is a combat veteran struggling like so many others to reintegrate into society. He is known to be a hardworking man, a nice man and a fair employer to the people who help him care for his home needs and beloved pets. So where did things go drastically wrong? 

Here in Colorado, we are not immune to the stigma of suffering with mental health issues. It seems to be at epidemic proportions in this day and age with the effects manifesting in today’s children lashing out. There is a huge cry for help coming from many people in our country, and some of them are our neighbors and friends. When you find yourself asking, “Why don’t they get help?” it is helpful to understand that the mental health services available to us in mountain communities and rural areas can take months to arrange. Compound that with an over worked mental health staff and shortages and it can take an agonizing amount of time to get to actually sit down with a counselor and seek help. For issues like PTSD, a person suffering can put off seeking help rather than having to go through explaining oneself over and over and over again until you sit down with a consistent person for help dealing with trauma. Understanding these facts can help us be more compassionate when dealing with fellow residents, family members or friends that suffer. There is still an abundance of it in Nederland; we are still proud to be NedStrong. 

If you or someone you know is in need of help with mental health issues, call Mental Health Partners Emergency Psychiatric Services (303) 447-1665 for 24hr. mental health crisis help line, or National Suicide Prevention Hotline  800-273-TALK (8255) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. In Gilpin County, you can call Colorado Crisis Services Line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) which is open 24/7; or text “TALK” to 38255. 

(Originally published in the May 30, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)