Officers Rescue Suicidal Man Near Bridge In Wappingers Falls

Two police officers were able to rescue a suicidal man from jumping from a bridge by talking and convincing him not to jump.

A man was saved from jumping from a wall by two police officers.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps/Street View*

Kathy Reakes

02/27/2019 11:53 a.m.

The incident took place around 12:06 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, when the village of Wappingers Falls Police Department received a report that a man was located near the bridge on Route 9D and had made suicidal statements that "he couldn't do this anymore," said Wappingers Falls Police Lt. P. Capparelli.

Officers Rocky Nikci and Mark Liebermann arrived on scene within one minute and found the man standing on the concrete wall facing the falls, Capparelli said.

The officers used their training in speaking to the male for approximately 15 minutes before getting him to a safe area where he was evaluated by medical personnel, he added.

"The officer's quick response and ability to build a rapport with the male resulted in an outcome in which saved someone’s life," Capparelli said.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Poughkeepsie and receive free news updates.