An Oklahoma State Trooper is being credited with quick and decisive action after a dangerous roadside encounter with a knife-wielding man experiencing a severe mental health crisis. Trooper Eric Burchett was responding to a vehicle stopped on the shoulder when the driver suddenly exited the car holding a knife. Burchett immediately noticed the man was in extreme distress, with deep cuts across his throat and wrists suggesting a suicide attempt.

Despite his injuries, the man attempted to attack Trooper Burchett, but severe blood loss left him lethargic and unable to maintain balance. The man fell to the ground moments after the attempted assault, allowing Burchett to safely secure the scene while calling for emergency medical assistance.

EMS crews quickly arrived, stabilized the wounded man, and transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Officials say the trooper’s calm response, situational awareness, and restraint prevented the encounter from escalating into a deadly shooting, protecting both the man in crisis and those on the roadway.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol emphasized the incident as an example of the difficult and unpredictable situations law enforcement faces daily, particularly when mental health crises unfold on public roads. Trooper Burchett’s response ensured the man received lifesaving medical care, underscoring the critical role officers play in crisis intervention.