Jonathon Kerry Reisima’s mental health issues and alcoholism had culminated in dangerous situation

The 57-year-old was armed with a gel blaster when he ran at police called on them to “shoot me”. Fortunately, police remained calm.

A calm and professional approach by police to a very tense situation potentially saved the life a 57-year-old man who ran at police with a weapon yelling “shoot me, f***ing shoot me”.

Fortunately, the police responding to the incident on September 26, 2023, had been forewarned and when they yelled at Jonathon Kerry Reisima to drop his weapon, he had done so, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Julia Wheaton said, fortunately, the warning given to officers had avoided a potential “suicide by cop” situation during what was a mental health crisis.

In what defence lawyer Joe McConnell described as a “combination of mental health issues and alcoholism”, Reisima had been arguing with his wife prompting his 21-year-old stepson to intervene.

The 57-year-old grabbed his stepson by the throat and pushed him up against a wall, leaving the younger man with scratches and red marks and leading to police being called to the home, the court heard.

Toowoomba Courthouse in Hume St, Toowoomba City.

Reisima had then approached police armed with what appeared to be a gun but was in fact a metal gel blaster which he, fortunately, discarded when police called on him to drop it, although he was tasered in the process.

The 57-year-old was taken to hospital where he remained for seven days having been diagnosed with depression, the court heard.

Reisima pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and to dangerous conduct with a weapon.

Mr McConnell said this incident was an aberration for his client who had no criminal history and who had since taken significant steps to address his mental health issues and long standing alcoholism.

Magistrate Louise Shephard noted since this incident Reisima had been seeing a psychologist and was receiving help through Lives Lived Well, had engaged AODS (Alcohol and Other Drugs Service) for counselling and had now been sober for 105 days.

Ms Shephard also noted that the defendant was due to start a new job this week.

Noting he had sufficient supervision and that probation might not offer anything further, Ms Shephard ordered the convictions not be recorded and fined Reisima $1500.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, call 13 11 14.