Editor’s Note: Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 988. Counselors are also available to chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today.
By Joanna Putman
Police1
YONKERS, N.Y. — Officers were able to rescue a man trying to jump from an overpass in mid-leap, body camera video shows.
An unidentified man can be seen in the video standing by a metal railing on a highway overpass.
“Let’s talk about whatever’s going on, then we’ll leave. You understand?” an officer asks. “But we can’t leave while you’re here, standing next to the railing. It’s a dangerous situation. That’s why we’re here.”
As the officer is speaking to the man, he extends his hand to him. The man reaches up, seemingly to join hands with the officer, but suddenly turns around and attempts to jump over the railing.
Officers act quickly, grabbing the man as he jumps and pulling him back to safety.
“I applaud our skillful officers who stepped in with precision,” Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said in a police department Facebook post. “Mental health continues to affect communities across the country, and, in Yonkers, we are fortunate to have resources and support to properly train our officers so they can assist those in need.”
Officers Michael Heath and Sandro Vazquez were specifically recognized in the post for their efforts to build rapport with the man.
Click above to view full video.