Source: RLS Media
Officials reported that Newark’s 3rd Precinct police officers rescued a suicidal male who was threatening to jump from a railing at the Riverfront Park water edge last night.
Shortly before 9:45 p.m., officers in the area of Read Street near Raymond Boulevard were flagged down by a woman who reported that a man was on a railing at the water edge threatening to jump.
Officers J. Allen and K. Lovo approached the man and began talking to him in an attempt to have him climb back over the railing to safety. Additional officers responded to the location, along with members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
When the male was distracted by the arrival of additional law enforcement, the officers pulled him to safety. The man was transported to University Hospital for evaluation.
“I commend Officers Allen and Lovo for immediately taking the necessary steps to de-escalate this situation and to save this man’s life,” Anthony T. Ambrose, director of Newark’s Public Safety department said. “They exhibited the type of dedication and commitment to public safety that the people of Newark can be proud of.
“These officers did an exceptional job in resolving this situation with a singular focus on keeping this individual alive. I’m grateful that this incident ended with a member of our community rescued, rather than a far worse outcome.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
The call is routed to one of a national network 150 local crisis centers which provide counseling and mental health referrals.