Enfield Cop Talks Suicidal Man Out of Jumping From Bridge

ENFIELD, CT — An Enfield police officer utilized his professional training to prevent a suicidal man from jumping off the Enfield-Suffield Veterans Bridge into the Connecticut River Monday afternoon.

Around 3:24 p.m., a 24-year-old man was located on the side of the bridge contemplating suicide. Officer Eric Horan was the first responder on scene, and immediately began talking with the man, Police Chief Alaric Fox said in an email with Enfield Patch.

"He proceeded to engage the gentleman, developing enough of a rapport to be able to approach him (with permission) to discuss his issues further," Fox said. "After another period of discussion the man agreed, at Horan’s request, to swing his legs back over to the roadside of the bridge, and eventually, to move off the edge of the bridge."

The unidentified man was transported to an area facility for medical evaluation and care.

Traffic was heavily backed up on the bridge in both directions as police from Enfield and Suffield worked at the scene.

"It’s outstanding work on Horan’s part, emblematic of the great work that the men and women of the EPD do every day," Fox said.