Man Dangling Off Wharf Enticed To Safety By Cop With Chowder

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A police sergeant is credited with talking a distraught man who was allegedly under the influence of narcotics off the edge of the Santa Cruz Wharf earlier this month using a warm bowl of chowder. Sgt. Bill Azusa and patrol officers were called to the busy wharf after the man was spotted hanging from the side.

Azusa started chatting with the 27-year-old Santa Clara resident, and eventually enticed him with a bowl of clam chowder purchased by another officer from the Dolphin Restaurant walk-up window at the end of the wharf.

Emergency crews were able to pull the man from the edge and he was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of narcotics and probation violations. Seals were spotted in the waters below the man and police said the he may have survived the fall but could have been seriously injured.The wharf, which is the longest pier in California, is a popular tourist attraction in Santa Cruz County.

The heroic rescue prompted KFOX Radio to interview Azusa to help share a positive message for others who may be in crisis.

Photos courtesy Santa Cruz Police Department