Man arrested after allegedly threatening ‘suicide by cop’ with handgun in Mecklenburg

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Chase City man was arrested on Friday after allegedly making threats of "suicide by cop" while armed with a handgun in Mecklenburg County.

Just after midnight on Friday, Nov. 28, deputies from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office were called to the Baskerville Correctional Center after it was reported an individual in the parking lot was trespassing with a weapon.

When deputies arrived, they found Donovan Simpson of Chase City, who authorities say was armed with a handgun and making threats of "suicide by cop."

Deputies made contact with Simpson, and then Deputy Carroll initiated crisis negotiation techniques with two other deputies offering support.

After multiple minutes of communication and de-escalation attempts, deputies used a Taser to take Simpson into custody after a short struggle -- this was done without further injuries or incidents.

Simpson was charged with the following crimes:

• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Obstruction of justice
• Breaking and entering with intent to commit and felony
• Public intoxication

Simpson was taken to the Meherrin River Regional Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.