RCMP say quick action by one of their New Hazelton officers likely saved a life earlier this week.
Police were called out to the Hagwilget Bridge area shortly before 10:00 Wednesday night for reports of a person standing in the middle of the road not moving or trying to avoid traffic.
When officers arrived, the woman had climbed underneath the bridge to a small construction walkway and threatened to jump if Mounties approached.
Police called for a crisis negotiator while officers at the scene continued to speak to the woman in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
As officers talked to the woman, they noticed she had collapsed over a single wire at the edge of the walkway and was unresponsive.
Two officers slid down the main support cable of the bridge to the woman while other officers assisted from the top side of the bridge.
“The woman was in obvious distress and the quick action of the police likely saved her life,” said Staff Sargent Steve Vince, NCO in charge of the New Hazelton Detachment in a news release. “They placed themselves at considerable risk, to prevent injury or even death.”
RCMP apprehended the woman for medical assessment and took her to hospital.
Fire crews were called to the scene and assisted with the safe removal of everyone from the bridge.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, confused, suicidal, or just need someone to listen, you can contact the Crisis Prevention, Intervention & Information Centre for Northern BC toll free, 24 hours a day at 1-888-562-1214.
