Steve Christian was 77, a veteran who, according to a letter he left behind, was suffering from cognitive memory loss. His letter said the diagnosis made him want to take his own life.

On a rain-soaked March 3, 2023, Christian shot himself in the parking lot of Brookhaven, Georgia’s Blackburn Park. While waiting on an ambulance, Christian expressed his sorrow to police officers and seemingly expressed a desire to live, according to body camera footage obtained by Atlanta News First Investigates. Crews detailed Christian asking for help, recalling the veteran said he “messed up.”

Police officers expressed their frustration and dismay over the ambulance’s delay. One officer said, “It’s going to be a gunshot wound to the lungs, second chest wound. Let’s go ahead and get an ETA. They’re going to need to step this up.” Another officer said, “This is unbelievable, man. I can’t believe this.”

After 22 minutes, a DeKalb Fire Department unit arrived, but the fire truck isn’t capable of emergency transport. Twenty-five minutes after the first officer responded, an American Medical Response ambulance finally arrived.

But Steve Christian was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Read the full story here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/07/15/it-took-26-minutes-metro-atlanta-ambulance-show-up-why/