A very tragic situation. But before fingers are pointed, we should be patient and wait for all the facts. We should also all be cognizant of all the societal ills that are dumped on hospitals and police. 
I am unfamiliar with this ER and the local police. However, I have worked in emergency services for over 30 years and I can tell you without reservation that A TON of difficult social problems end up in the least-efficient places to deal with them, like ERs, police, and fire/ems. CHRONIC problems like poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, you name it. Typically, through no ones fault, small town hospitals and law enforcement are not the most experienced or knowledgeable folks. 
The problems these agencies face are exacerbated during off hours when resources are unavailable. The story doesn't give the time of day. 
The police and ER could have messed up. Or they could have been dealing with an agitated, aggressive, drunk chronically ill and mentally ill....