By Richard Chumney
New Haven Register, Conn.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Local emergency officials prevented a person in distress from jumping off the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge last week, police said.
Officers and firefighters responded to the bridge around 5:48 a.m. on Oct. 17 after receiving a report of a person standing on a ledge, according to the New Haven Police Department.
WARNING: This video may contain content considered to be disturbing to some viewers.
Police said a firefighter was able to secure the individual and safely bring him back over the ledge after officials spent several minutes negotiating with them.
Body-worn camera footage shared by the department shows multiple officers speaking with the person.
“We’re all pretty worried about you,” an officer can be heard saying. “Why don’t you come over here and just talk to us.”
Eventually, a firefighter can be seen reaching over the ledge and pulling the individual to safety. Police said the person was then transported for medical evaluation.
“We commend the quick response, professionalism, and coordinated efforts of all personnel involved in this incident,” police said.
Anyone who has thoughts of harming themselves, or seeks access to free and confidential mental health support, can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (en Español: 888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing dial 711 and then 988) or visit 988Lifeline.org.
© 2026 the New Haven Register (New Haven, Conn.). Visit www.nhregister.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
