Local man held after apparent mental-health issue

PASCO — A local man was taken into mental health custody this morning, Friday, Dec. 4, after being arrested for ripping a natural gas line out of a building.

According to police, officers were called to the veterinary complex on Sandifur Parkway at about 7:40 a.m. and found a man ripping out a natural gas line. The complex includes Mid Columbia Pet Emergency, Animal Eye Care and Pet Medical of Pasco.

Police located a 27-year-old man, wearing wet clothing and suffering from an apparent mental health issue, possibly drug-induced, a report said. The name of the man was not released.

Officers called in a mental health professional to assess the man, a police report said. Meanwhile, Cascade Natural Gas arrived to repair the line.

Officers also went to the man's home, a report said. While there, officers noticed outside water faucets turned on at several nearby homes.

Charges may be pending in the case, police said.