Hinsdale police earned praise at Tuesday night’s village board meeting for preventing a suicidal man from jumping off the Ogden Avenue bridge over Interstate 294 on Friday, Oct. 30.
“They did just an exemplary job of taking control of the situation and not using any lethal force, if you will, to contain someone who was wanting to do himself harm,” village manager Kathleen Gargano told trustees.
“We don’t realize our police officers are trained to negotiate with these individuals and take control of these situations because they happen so infrequently,” she added. “The training that members of our department have really paid off,”
A passing motorist called 911 at about 4 p.m. to report a despondent subject on the overpass, according to a release from the Hinsdale Police Department. Officers responded and located a 30-year-old man, who is not a resident of the area, gripping the railing over the northbound lanes of the expressway.
“The subject was verbally nonresponsive and appeared to be having a psychotic episode,” the release states. “At one point he put his foot on the bottom rung of the railing, and he was wrestled off the railing and onto the ground by the police officers.”
The subject fought with the officers prior to being safely taken into custody. He was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Western Springs, Clarendon Hills and Oak Brook officers assisted during the incident.
“The quick response of the officers and decisive actions that followed clearly saved this man’s life,” Police Chief Brian King said Wednesday.
People in need of assistance can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
