Empathy From Newark Cops Helps Avert 2 Suicide Attempts: Police

NEWARK, NJ — Newark police helped stop a suicide attempt near a highway overpass earlier this week, a scene that has played out multiple times in the city this year, authorities say.

According to police, the most recent incident took place on Tuesday, when a pair of Newark officers came across a “distraught” man perched underneath the Route 78 overpass at Watson and Elizabeth avenues around 11:33 p.m.

Speaking empathetically to the upset man, the officers learned about the reasons why he wanted to kill himself, explaining that the department could help him seek employment and access other social services.

“I promise you that we can help you get a job, man,” one of the officers tells the man in a video released by police. “It’s not worth it.”

The officers then helped to carefully and calmly guide the man down from the overpass.

“Once again, our officers were able to deescalate a life-threatening situation and avoid a tragic outcome,” Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said.

“We’re thankful the officers were able to help and resolve the situation safely,” O’Hara said.

In the past few months, officers have responded to similar suicide attempts and successfully convinced people not to take their life, police said Thursday.

O’Hara encouraged people who need help to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

In addition to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Garden State residents can also find support at the New Jersey Hopeline at 1-855-654-6735.

Story continues below

Another rescue took place shortly after 10 a.m. on April 12, when three Newark cops were called to the Route 78 overpass at West Runyon Street and Irvine Turner Boulevard.

There, the officers saw a man hanging from the highway overpass who was getting ready to jump, authorities said.

The officers immediately started to reach out to the distraught man, speaking to him with empathy and as a friend, O’Hara said.

In a police bodycam video of the incident, one of the officers can be seen demonstrating both qualities.

“I’m not gonna act like I know what’s going on in your life … I don’t,” he tells the man.

“What you have to realize is that what you’re thinking about right now, your son is gonna have to deal with that every day of his life – every day, without you,” the officer emphasizes. “You’ve still got time to be there.”

Their efforts were aided by a pair of bystanders who got out their vehicle and helped lend a comforting presence at the scene, authorities said.

In less than 10 minutes, the man was brought back over the railing to safety. He was then transported to an area hospital for further evaluation, police said.

“Seeing our deescalation training in action is extremely gratifying, especially when it prevents a family from grieving an untimely loss,” O’Hara said. “I am most grateful that the responding officers handled such a delicate situation with understanding and compassion.”

• See related article: Newark Cops Rescue Suicidal Teen: 'Hold On, Brother, We Care'
• See related article: Chinese Food Helps Stop Suicide In Newark: 'It's Never Too Late'

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Newark Facebook page.