Man in critical condition after running onto lake without warm clothing

(KFGO) – A man is hospitalized in Fargo in critical condition for exposure to the cold.

Beltrami County dispatch received a call for man having a medical and mental health crisis around 7 p.m. Friday. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office says the man had taken illegal drugs and over-the-counter medication. When an ambulance arrived, the man ran into the woods when the temperature was about -10° F.

Deputies and Leech Lake Police officers eventually found the man on Big Lake, east of Bemidji, about a half-mile from shore. He was wearing a sweatshirt, pants and tennis shoes. He had two knives and was trying to hurt himself.

The man was tased and handcuffed as he fought with law enforcement. He was given life-saving treatment by first responders when the brought him to shore.