NASHVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — A man convicted of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest said the whole situation likely would’ve been avoided if mental health professionals took his concerns more seriously.
A Nashville Police Department report obtained by 24 Hour News 8 outlines what officers claim happened at Rick Osborne’s home on Oct. 20, 2016. It mentions Osborne pushing a responding officer, barricading himself inside his barn and pointing a nail gun at officers before shooting himself with it.
The longtime Nashville resident said that the entire incident was a result of his struggle with drug addiction. Just like others who struggle with opioids, Osborne’s story began with pain. His doctor prescribed him painkillers after issues with his knees and back.
“I was on methadone and Percocet at the same time, at some point,” Osborne said.
Last year, police responded to his home on a report that Osborne was suicidal. The standoff with police ended when he reportedly shot two nails into his chest and one into his arm.
“I shot myself because I was so scared and so desperate for help that I was willing to take that chance to die just to get that help,” Osborne said. “To me, that is the injustice.”