WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Newly released body camera video captures the tense moments West Palm Beach police officers pulled a man to safety after finding him hanging off of the Broadway Bridge.
According to the West Palm Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched to the bridge near 59th Street after reports of a crash involving two vehicles. But when they arrived, one of the people involved was nowhere to be found.
As officers searched the area, they spotted the man clinging to the outside of the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.
The bodycam footage shows officers rushing to the railing, speaking calmly with the man as they urged him to move closer. Moments later, several officers reached over the barrier, grabbed hold of him and, with assistance from West Palm Beach firefighters, pulled him safely back onto the bridge.
Police said Officer Simms first secured the man before Officer Crist and other responding officers helped lift him over the railing.
After the rescue, officers stayed with the man, provided him with water and waited for paramedics to arrive.
Authorities said the man was experiencing a mental health crisis. No criminal charges were filed, and the incident was handled as a rescue rather than a criminal investigation.
“Through courage, teamwork, and compassion, our officers, alongside firefighters, safely pulled the individual back over the railing and to safety,” the department said.
The rescue unfolded in less than a minute once responders were in position, with the body camera video highlighting the coordinated effort that police say helped prevent a tragedy.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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