Suicide Attempts Alarm RI State Police

COVENTRY, RI —Troopers stopped two attempted suicides on state overpasses early Monday, the Rhode Island state police said. Now Col. Ann C. Assumpico is letting the public know help is available and urging people suffering a crisis to seek professional help.

According to Laura Meade Kirk, state police spokeswoman, around 12:40 a.m, a man climbed over the security fence by the Eddy Street overpass and was threatening to jump into Interstate 95's northbound lanes. Troopers went to talk to him. Ultimately, the 21-year-old Providence man agreed to go to Rhode Island Hospital.

Then at 7:20 a.m., callers reported a man "hanging over the side of the New London Turnpike overpass in West Greenwich." He also seemed about to jump into traffic. The 26-year-old Exeter resident agreed to go in the rescue to Kent County Hospital.

State police have this advice:

• If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health crisis and is in immediate danger, call 911.
• You also can seek information and assistance through the Samaritans of Rhode Island, a suicide prevention resource for Rhode Island, at 401-272-4044 or 800-365-4044, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
• The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals offers information about these and other mental health services and agencies on its website, which can be found at: http://www.bhddh.ri.gov/mh/help.php.

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