Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New York Officers Catch Man Who Jumped from Bridge

Video taken from one of the officer’s in vehicle systems shows the officers appeared to have talked the man away from the guardrail, but he turned back and jumped.

by Staff
October 25, 2023
New York Officers Catch Man Who Jumped from Bridge

Yonkers, New York, police officer reach for a man as he jumps over the guardrail of a highway bridge. The officers were able to catch him and save his life.

Credit:

Yonkers PD

2 min to read


Yonkers, New York, police officers recently grabbed a man as he jumped off of a highway bridge in an apparent suicide and were able to pull him to safety.

The incident happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 19, the Yonkers Police Department reports.

Ad Loading...

Officers responded around 3:30 a.m. to calls of a man hanging over the guardrail. A caller reported that they believed the man was going to jump off the overpass onto the southbound lanes of Interstate 87 below, the department reports on Facebook.

When officers arrived and contacted the man, Second Precinct Police Officer Michael Heath attempted to develop a rapport with him. Heath was joined in this conversation by Emergency Service Unit Police Officer Sandro Vazquez, police say.

Video taken from one of the officer’s in vehicle systems shows the officers appeared to have talked the man away from the guardrail, but he turned back and jumped.

Yonkers Police Officers Heath, Vazquez, Melendez, Brandon, Clayton, and McCown caught the man before he fell into traffic. “These Officers managed to pull the male back over the guardrail to safety, later assisting in transporting him to an area hospital for evaluation,” Yonkers PD says.

“Good, compassionate work by our Yonkers Police saved this individual and motorists from potential injury or worse,” said City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “I applaud our skillful officers who stepped in with precision. Mental health continues to affect communities across the country, and, in Yonkers, we are fortunate to have resources and support to properly train our officers so they can assist those in need.”

Ad Loading...


Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza said, “The Yonkers Police Department is committed to public safety and helping those in need, regardless of the situation. Our Officers did an amazing job attempting to de-escalate this incident and then resorting to taking quick action to prevent what would have certainly been serious injury to the individual, despite the risk of injury to themselves. I applaud all involved in this incident for their amazing work in saving a life.”

More Patrol

Streamlight promotional graphic featuring the LiteBox 1 Million handheld light and Portable Scene Light III, highlighting products displayed for the 2026 National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo in Indianapolis, Sept. 14–16.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026

Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.

Read More →
Graphic promoting the 2027 World Police & Fire Games in Perth, Australia, featuring an aerial city view and photos of international participants carrying Brazilian and Australian flags.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.

Read More →
New York City skyline at night with the Tribute in Light beams illuminating the sky in remembrance of September 11, with the 5.11 logo in the upper left.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343

5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Team Wendy graphic announcing sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation, featuring a black-and-white photo of Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore, whose end of watch was November 11, 2023.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation

Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.

Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund graphic for the 2026 9/11 commemoration ceremony beside a close-up of a police officer’s badge, with blurred emergency lights in the background.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony

The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.

Read More →
Officer of the Month graphic for June 2026 honoring officers of the Chico, California, Police Department, featuring the department’s police badge and a rose emblem.
PatrolAugust 20, 2026

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Three smartphone screens display the Team Wendy community app, featuring tactical gear content, upcoming events, news, surveys, and navigation tools for warranty, sizing, and user profiles.
PatrolAugust 13, 2026

Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners

The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.

Read More →
Security officer wearing an earpiece uses a handheld two-way radio at an outdoor event, with PositionPTT push-to-talk radio accessories and earpiece shown alongside for professional communications.
PatrolJuly 28, 2026

PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance

Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.

Read More →
Graphic announcing $25 million in law enforcement grants and resources over a photo of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with large blue-and-white headline text overlaying the building.
PatrolJuly 23, 2026

Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips YouTube thumbnail asking, “What qualifies a device as rugged or fully rugged?” featuring a Panasonic Toughbook laptop on a dark street background.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJuly 23, 2026

What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?

What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.

Read More →