Cop's Body Cam Captures Nailbiting Moment He Saves Distraught Man from Ledge
When someone decides to take their own life, it’s truly a tragic thing. We don’t always know why an individual might decide death is better than life.
We do know that no one should have to endure that kind of pain alone. Whether it’s a close family member or friend, or just a good Samaritan willing to reach out, a listening ear should always be available to those who need one.
An officer from Virginia is being hailed as one such good Samaritan for intervening during a situation that could have ended in suicide.
On August 14, James Robinson, a Sheriff’s Deputy for the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office in Yorktown, responded to some 911 calls that had come in about a potentially suicidal man.
Inside Edition reports the unidentified civilian was sitting on the ledge of an overpass off U.S. Route 60 in Yorktown, Virginia.
When Robinson arrived, he cautiously approached the man. His body cam caught the entire encounter on film.
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office posted the footage on Facebook. “A nerve racking life-or-death situation that could’ve easily turned tragic,” the video’s caption begins.
“He doesn’t even realize I’m here yet,” Robinson says as he walks toward the man. “Hey, guy… what’s going on, man?”
Watch as Robinson keeps his distance, assuring the man that he won’t touch him, while at the same time asking him to come to safety.
Several minutes pass before Robinson rushes in and pulls the man out of harm’s way. Once he has him on the ground, the poor guy appears to begin sobbing as he says, “I have nothing left.”
“You do,” Robinson assures him. “You have plenty left.” It his not be disclosed why the man was there, but the Facebook post said he was treated by medics and taken to a hospital afterward.
“Deputy Robinson showed the utmost compassion for the man and reassured him that he still has a lot to live for,” the post says. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to this man and his family.”
“I didn’t want him to go over…” Robinson shared with Inside Edition. “Knowing that person has another day to live… that’s all the happiness that I need right there.”
According to the CDC, close to 45K lives ended due to suicide in the United States in 2016.
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available for support 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
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