A standoff between a suicidal man armed with a shotgun and cops outside the United Nations building in Manhattan ended after nearly three hours Thursday, police said.
William Tingler, 65, of Ormand Beach, Fla. was slapped with charges of criminal possession of a weapon, making terroristic threats, menacing, reckless endangerment and obstruction, police sources said.
He was seen pacing on First Avenue between East 42nd and 45th streets late Thursday morning, pointing the gun at himself and refusing to drop it, sources said. When he was arrested, cops found him in possession of a “manifesto,” sources added.
Disturbing photos from the scene show the man, wearing a red jacket and blue jeans, pointing the firearm under his chin as cops tried to talk him down.
Tingler was taken into custody around 1:45 p.m. He was brought to a nearby hospital for psychological evaluation, police said.
He never pointed the shogun, which had a single round in it, at officers, police officials said.
Police officials believe Tingler had traveled from Florida to the city on Wednesday and checked into the Millennium Hotel on 44th Street. He walked over to the UN building Thursday morning with a pair of suspicious backpacks and the shotgun.
First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker said the man had a stack of papers he wanted someone in the United Nations to review.
He agreed to surrender after police promised to give the various documents to a UN official, Tucker said. It was not known what the papers contained but Tucker said they “had no specific meaning.”
Cops shut down roads surrounding the UN complex, which was also placed on lockdown.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
