DETROIT— U.S. Border Patrol agents along with Michigan DNR officers, and an EMS officer team up to rescue man from edge of MacArthur Bridge suffering from a mental health crisis.
At approximately 7:30pm on Thursday, September 17, a Detroit Station Border Patrol agent responded to a radio call regarding a subject with a knife on the side edge of the MacArthur Bridge. Michigan DNR officers also responded to assist with the subject in emotional distress. Agents and Officers on scene were able to speak with the subject and convinced him to drop the knife without incident. After dropping the knife, EMS arrived on scene and took over primary communication with the man. After conversing with the subject for a short time, the EMS officer was able to persuade the man to climb back over the bridge rail to safety.
“This is a prime example of how Agents serve our communities. Agents throughout the country save thousands of lives per year to include last night’s incident,” said Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison. “Everyone needs to remember that if someone is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need.”
The man was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. If you know someone whom is struggling or are looking for more information on how to help others that are thinking about suicide, please visit: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.