At approximately 11:00pm on Monday, July 22, 2024, officers on general patrol were stopped by a concerned resident after they spotted a man on the Lansdowne Street bridge near River Road who looked as though he was going to jump from the bridge.
Officers initially searched the area, including using the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) without any luck in locating the man. However, while the RPAS was still up the man returned to the bridge and was attempting to climb over the railing.
An officer approached the man and grabbed the back of his shirt. The man appeared to be very impaired and continually resisted the officers attempts to get him away from the railing. When the officer successfully removed him away from the railing, he continued to resist the officers and try to go back to the edge. After a brief struggle, he was placed in an ambulance and taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for assessment. There were no injuries to anyone involved.
Without a doubt the actions of the officers to get the male away from the edge and keep him away saved his life.
“These calls aren’t easy. They don’t get measured in crime statistics and they don’t get measured as things the police do every day, but sometimes a police officer is what’s needed in a situation where the difference between life and death is just a few feet. I am thankful for the concerned citizen who took the time to recognize and call 9-1-1 to report a person in distress, and I am grateful for the quick actions by our officers.” Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service.
In an emergency call 9-1-1 or flag down an officer.
If you or someone you know is in distress; here are some resources:
Mental Health/Crisis Lines
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call: 9-8-8 (Toll-free 24/7)
Text: 9-8-8 (Toll-free 24/7)
Talk Now 705-876-5826
Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
