Man threatens to kill himself after using “bath salts”

GETTYSBURG – A 30-year-old Sidney man who is believed to have been under the influence of the hallucinogenic drug “bath salts” was involved in a two-and-a-half-hour standoff with Darke County Sheriff’s deputies Friday after he threatened to kill himself with a knife.

Sheriff’s deputies encountered James W. Jordan at about 4:45 p.m. in front of a residence in the 7600 block of Horatio New Harrison Road. Concerned callers had reported a male with his shirt off was running in the road claiming someone was chasing him.

When deputies attempted to approach Jordan he pulled a knife from his pocket and put it to his throat.

A special response team and Gettysburg rescue crews were dispatched. After more than two hours of negotiations, he was taken into custody without serious injury.

Jordan was transported to Wayne Hospital for observation. According to a release from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, his “behavior was abnormal and it was later learned that his altered behavior was due to the use of ‘bath salts.’”

Horatio New Harrison Road was closed during the incident.

Bath salts have been linked to the deaths of three area people and are suspected in two others, according to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office. Five teens were taken to area hospitals Saturday night after overdosing on the designer drug at a party in Greenville.

The drugs have chemical compositions similar to methamphetamine but are legal in Ohio.

Five teens were Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2124 or kwedell@coxohio.com.

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