Sheriff's intervention called life saving

 

FALLS CITY – A Falls City man told the court Tuesday that intervention from the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office has given him a new opportunity for life.

Scott Delome told a district judge that he has suffered from alcoholism most of his 44 years and was suicidal in August when he reached out to his probation officer. Delome only told the probation officer his intentions and that he was in an alley. That's where Sheriff Rick Hardesty found him.

The sheriff talked with Delome for 20 minutes before he was willing to put his hands up and walk toward the sheriff.  Hardesty reached into the man's pocket and removed the gun.

Attorney Steven Mercure said Delome had  gathered two guns to end his life.

Mercure: “It’s  probably salvation for him as to what happened.”

Delome said Tuesday that he is finally able to see how alcohol is behind all of his legal troubles and many other problems. He told the judge that sobriety feels good and he is looking for opportunities to help others who are going through what he went through.

Judge Julie Smith said possession of a firearm by a felon is a serious crime but, if his plan was to commit suicide,  he probably wasn’t concerned about the legalities at that time. She had a clerk make a copy of a rehabilitation certificate so Delome can keep the original.

Smith: “This will be an ongoing process for you forever. It’s not like you are magically done because you got a certificate.”

Delome was sentenced to two years probation and time served.