Talked down off bridge

RCMP in Nanaimo were able to successfully talk a man down off the ledge of the Pearson Bridge Thursday night.

Photo: Contributed - Flickr

Police received a 911 call about 10:45 p.m. indicating a male was about to jump off the bridge, said spokesperson Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong.  

Officers arrived on scene to find a man perched precariously on the outside of the railing. A passer-by had stopped and was talking to him. The man was hanging on to the railing with both hands, facing the roadway.  

As soon as the first officer got out of his cruiser, the man turned around, took one foot off the bridge deck and held onto the railing with only one hand.  

The officer was able to learn the male’s name and engaged him in conversation.  

The man apparently had a relationship with an RCMP member who had previously been posted to Nanaimo and asked to speak with that officer. A call was placed to the officer, who now works in Prince George, and after one hour, officers were able to move the man to safety.  

He was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.  

A portion of the roadway was shut down while the negotiation took place.

B.C. Ambulance Service and Nanaimo Fire and Rescue crews also responded. Fire Rescue launched a boat in the event a water rescue was necessary.