ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department released video Thursday of an officer and two Atlantans who worked together to help a man during a mental health crisis.
The incident happened on Sept. 4, when police were called to Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway after getting calls about someone suffering from a crisis.
The officer met with the two citizens who called 911 after seeing a man dangling from a highway sign on the overpass, police said.
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Working together, the officer and the two citizens found the man, who said he wanted to end his life. Police say he threatened to jump onto the freeway.
The officer told police dispatch that the man was threatening to jump, so police had the freeway shut down while they attempted to speak with him. However, the man hanging from the overpass sign was agitated by the officer being there and would not speak with the officer, police said.
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Seeing the difficulty between the officer and the man on the overpass, the two Atlantans spoke to the man in crisis and were able to stop him from jumping onto the interstate, according to police.
Soon after, police said the officer and the two Atlantans were able to get the man on the ground safely and emergency responders arrived to take him to the hospital for evaluation.
The officer recommended that the two men who helped him be recognized for their service.
APD thanked the two, identified as Devante and Jamari, for their bravery and help with de-escalating the situation on the bridge to save the man’s life.
“This is a great example of citizens and police working together. If anyone is suffering a crisis, please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance,” APD said in a statement.
Anyone suffering a crisis is encouraged to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line, or 911 for assistance.
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