A Texas dad caused a police standoff to save his son's life.
KPRC 2 reports that George Pickering II took a gun and went into Tomball Regional Medical Center in Tomball, Texas, in January.
The standoff happened after Pickering was told his son, George Pickering, III was going to be taken off life support. According to Fox 59, his son was declared brain-dead after suffering from a stroke. He previously had a history of seizures.
The hospital ordered a terminal wean, which would slowly remove life support.
"They were moving too fast. The hospital, the nurses, the doctors.
I knew if I had three or four hours that night that I would know whether George was brain-dead," the elder Pickering said.
He admits to being drunk and aggressive the night he threatened hospital workers, but said it was because he knew his son still had life to live.
In a statement to KPRC 2, hospital officials said, "When a patient's condition makes them unable to participate in their own care, the appropriate substitute decision-maker has the right to decide whether or not they will move forward with a recommended care plan. However, that decision must be expressed in a way that does not endanger other patients or caregivers... we encourage you to contact local law enforcement for a complete picture of the events that took place."
After a three-hour standoff, the elder Pickering surrendered peacefully and was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. One charge was dismissed and another was lessened.
"The important thing is I'm alive and well, my father is home and we're together again," said the younger Pickering.
The elder Pickering was released from jail in December after he was given credit for time previously served.
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