Man attempts to hang self in Atwater canal; officers intervene, police say

Atwater police intervened in an attempted public suicide early Sunday, officers reported.

A man apparently tried to hang himself with a shirt at a canal in the area of Winton Way and Fruitland Avenue, Lt. Samuel Joseph reported.

The man had tied his shirt around his neck and the guardrail, police said.

He was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Merced for treatment. He remained under observation on a psychiatric hold, officers said.

An update on his condition was not available Sunday.

Police said the man was able to breathe on his own, but with difficulty. He was unable to speak with officers due to his labored breathing, investigators said.

Joseph said police learned the man was recently released from Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, but said he could not elaborate Sunday.

This story was originally published September 13, 2015 at 4:14 PM with the headline "Man attempts to hang self in Atwater canal; officers intervene, police say."