Good Samaritans, police pull man from Verrazzano Bridge
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - A "despondent man" tried to jump off the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Sunday but some bystanders, a state trooper, and two police officers saved him in a daring rescue.
A good Samaritan's wife recorded the harrowing incident on video from their car. The clip, which was just over a minute long, was posted to Twitter by @nycphotog.
"Friend of mine on the Verezano behind car that suddenly stops with driver getting out and going to railing. My friend asks what are you doing and guy says jumping. Hell NO. @nyspolice trooper passing by jumps out to help and then @NYPDSpecialops."
The video shows Tuli Abraham and a Trooper Joshua Kaye holding the man, who had already gone over the railing. Then other bystanders and two cops from the NYPD's Special Operations Bureau rushed in to help pull the man to safety.
NYPD Chief of Department Terrence Monahan re-posted the video and singled out the state and NYPD officers involved.
"It doesn't matter what uniform we wear, it's the heart within us that drives cops to save lives," Monahan tweeted.
The trooper was taken to Staten Island University Hospital to be treated for pain in his ribs and back, authorities said.
The man who jumped was taken to a hospital in Brooklyn.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text 741-741.
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