A QC death that could have been prevented - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

A QC death that could have been prevented

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

It's a death one QC family says could have been prevented.

Police say they had no idea a Bettendorf man would take his own life.

 It all started last night when police were called to the victim, Richard Gless' home.

They say he was armed and held police at bay for 3 hours, but after the situation calmed down, they left and didn't take Gless with them.

 "We made the decision. I made the decision to back off and give him some space. I believe that was the correct decision with the information we had at the time and unfortunately it did not end the way that anyone wanted it to end," says Phil Redington, Bettendorf Police Chief.

 Police were called to the highland's subdivision, just off 53rd street around 3:30 yesterday afternoon.

Police say it was a family argument, but when crews got there, there was only one man in the house with a handgun.

"Once it was determined no criminal intent, we could not enter property or residence. There was really no reason for law enforcement to be involved in this type of situation," says Redington.

But family members we talked to disagree.

They wouldn't go on camera, but they tell cbs4 they think officers should have stayed or taken Gless into custody.

"When there is no criminal act, no arrest warrants, there's no authority in the house to remove him, then the decision has to be made, why would we be there," says Redington.

Neighbors in the area tell us they are shocked.

"It could happen anywhere to any family and people have to be on the look out cause you wouldn't expect something like this to happen and it can and it's shocking," says Brittany Myers, who works next door to the Gless Home.

Family members tell us Gless was dealing with serious personal issues, and it wasn't the first time they were worried about his well being.

Police say they are there to help the family during this very difficult time.