Metra Police Officers successfully prevented a man from taking his own life this past Saturday in Blue Island.
On Saturday, Nov. 4 at approximately 3 p.m., Metra Police found a 24-year-old man standing on the railing of the 127th Street bridge in Blue Island. The man was threatening to jump from the bridge, which spans Metra’s Blue Island Coach Yard.
Metra Police engaged the man in conversation and eventually an officer was able to get behind the man and pull him to safety. After the encounter, the man hugged the officers and thanked them. He was then transported by Blue Island Fire Department ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
“Thanks to the efforts of these officers, this individual is getting the help he needs, and another family isn’t forced to cope with tragedy,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. “It’s another fine example of the extreme professionalism of the Metra Police Department, and of Metra's commitment to being there for our passengers, employees, and anyone who interacts with our rail system.”
Metra Police and train crews receive crisis management and intervention training. Year-to-date, Metra employees have prevented 97 people across the Chicago region from harming themselves.
If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just dial 988 or go to the 988lifeline.org website to be connected to resources.
A video of the incident is available here: https://we.tl/t-KQDgwJVsxk