A tragedy was averted early Sunday morning in Union City, as police prevented a 27-year old man from committing suicide as he attempted to jump off of a highway sign some 30 feet above Route 495 at Bergenline Avenue and 31st Street.
Eleven police officers and two civilian dispatchers used their training to work in unison and prevent the man from killing himself. The entire scenario unfolded over eight minutes, as the man climbed over the fence on Bergenline Avenue and walked back and forth on the ledge of a highway sign above the westbound lanes of Route 495 at approximately 5 a.m.
It was slightly misting when the man began to hang over the road. Police positioned a squad car beneath the sign, and the man fell onto the car’s roof, face down.
Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini praised the efforts of the officers involved, which ultimately resulted in no injuries to police, the occupants of the traffic on the highway and the attempted suicide victim, who amazingly, was able to walk unassisted into an ambulance.
Hudson TV spoke with three of the officers involved; Sgt. Jose Martinez, P.O. Jose Guevara and P.O. Damian Middlebrooks. The names of the other officers who participated in this life saving incident are; Sgt. Hector Brea, Sgt. Christopher Estevez, P.O. Xavier Soto, P.O. Mohsin Rafiq, P.O. Deuny Pena, P.O. Michael Martinez, P.O. Carla Jara and P.O. Jose Cortez, and civilian dispatchers Lisette Sarrante and Warquiris Martinez.
Congratulations to all of the police personnel involved in Sunday’s incident.
Officer Guevara, Officer Middlebrooks, and Sergeant Martinez did a phenomenal job! Outstanding work, a plaque needs to be handed out to these officers. Great Future ahead for this city.