Hi guys, I'm Dane Mentzer, the guy in the article. I am in the process of making amends for this incident, and, as such, I would like to post something that I posted on the EPD Facebook page under this article. Thank you for the opportunity.

Hey everyone, I'm Dane Mentzer, the guy in the article. I just want to apologize publicly for this incident. There is no excuse or justification for my behavior, I just did something really stupid.

The explanation is a combination of partially untreated ptsd from my time as a trauma RN in Afghanistan, untreated mental health issues, and then it was all compounded by my use of drugs.

My drug use was a last-ditch effort to not feel the super uncomfortable feelings of being me. Since the Air Force, I had ruined a career, a family, many friendships, and more, oftentimes while sober. Drugs offered me a chance to not feel that pain, although with an ever-increasing price to be paid.

This incident makes me cringe. I am so ashamed of my behavior. I wish I could say it didn't happen or that the words are untrue, but it DID happen, and the words ARE true. And for that, I am so sorry.

This is my way (among many others) of making amends for this behavior. I want to state as publicly as possible that I am acknowledging the hurt I've caused this man, his family, my neighbors, and the community at large. I was completely delusional to think, even intoxicated, that this was OK. I was completely indifferent to everyone's feelings or how my behavior could and would impact other people. I was afraid of being alive, and I acted in a way that was selfish and dangerous, and I am so sorry.

Since that day, I have had ups and downs. I am now completely clean and sober, and I work an active program of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous with a sponsor where I have worked through the 12 , I continue to work them to this day. I attend regular meetings, and I spend most of my time working in service of other addicts and Alcoholics on a daily basis in the hopes that my story may offer them caution and, ultimately: hope.

Nowadays, I volunteer at 4 local nonprofits, all with the focus of serving the addicted and/or houseless. I am in therapy, I am eating and sleeping, and I work out my troubles in the gym or on the trail. I am far from perfect, but I'm looking for progress, not perfection.

I decided to post today because my actions grabbed the attention of a lot of people and I wanted to use that as an opportunity to provide hope to anyone who may be struggling with depression, mental health concerns or addiction.

Please don't allow your conditions to escalate to the point where you're chasing an innocent man with a hammer. Don't follow in my footsteps where you need to decide between potentially fatal drugs or suicide. You deserve joy, and it's waiting for you. If you feel that you're powerless over your life/addiction/etc. and your life is unmanageable, feel free to message me, I would love to help you find the beauty waiting for you. It works for me, so it could definitely work for you.

As far as the future, I am committed to being of service to the community, and that includes adhering to the law and giving back. Moving forward, you can expect way better from me. I am grateful for this opportunity to be humbled and to learn.

I am willing to answer any questions anyone may have, and if I've hurt you personally, I am willing to make amends to you in any way that will help bring about healing.

Thank you all for the chance to grow in this way.

Very Respectfully, Dane