BERWICK -- The man who shot at police Monday in Berwick is now charged with attempted homicide.
James Calderone is still in the hospital in critical condition after what appears to be another incident of "suicide by cop."
This is at least the third time a "suicide by cop" incident has happened in our area in the past four months. Monday's incident in Berwick left a man in critical condition and facing serious charges.
It was business as usual at the Berwick Industrial Development Association. There was no extra security on the property following Monday's incident that left James Calderone in critical condition and charged with attempted homicide.
The man from Salem Township opened fire on police officers and was critically hurt when they shot back. Investigators say Calderone had been involved in a domestic dispute earlier in the day and ended up at the complex in Berwick.
The Columbia County District Attorney says Calderone was heard saying he wanted to die during the shootout.
Psychologist Stephen Paolucci of Geisinger Health System calls this incident the dramatic side of suicide attempts.
"They know that if they get involved in an altercation with police there's a likelihood they will get shot," Paolucci said.
It's not the first time you've heard the phrase "suicide by cop." This is at least the third incident in our area in the past four months.
In August, two officers shot and killed a man in Pittston who pointed a gun at them. Investigators say the man had suicidal thoughts of being shot by police.
And just a few weeks ago, a man fired shots in a Walmart parking lot near Wilkes-Barre. Scott Sargent of Shenandoah was shot by police, but survived and is now charged with six counts of attempted homicide. In both cases, authorities decided the officers were justified in shooting the suspects.
"It's gotten a lot of press. It's gotten a lot of attention and it can be a way of people wanting to decide they want to end their lives," Paolucci said.
Newswatch 16 spoke with the Danville Police Department about this situation. The chief says his officers have to train for emergency situations.
"Our guys train monthly in different areas. They do different drills," Chief Eric Gill said.
Danville police were not involved in the incident in Berwick. But Chief Eric Gill says officers must be prepared for incidents like this at all times.
"There is no such thing as routine calls anymore. Our area and our society is changing and not necessarily changing for the better," Gill said.
James Calderone is in critical condition but state police say he is expected to live. He was charged late Tuesday and will be arraigned as soon as his condition allows.