Man Charged After Jumping Off Bridge

A Holyoke, Mass., man was charged with reckless conduct for placing another in danger early Wednesday after he jumped off the bridge connecting Hampton and Seabrook, forcing a water rescue.

John Hamel, 22, Holyoke, Mass., was taken into protective custody and charged after a state trooper had to enter the water to save Hamel, who jumped off the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridge around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, according to Hampton Police Lt. Dan Gidley.

Gidley said Hamel had reportedly been fighting with his girlfriend, who was found "crying" and "distraught" at the scene when an officer drove by on patrol, before jumping in the water.

Gidley said Hamel may have been attempting suicide, although he was uninjured and was yelling to shore when local and state police arrived.

Gidley said Hamel's girlfriend said the man had been "drinking all day," and said State Trooper Gary Ingham swam roughly 125 yards into the harbor to rescue Hamel.

Ingham couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday or Thursday despite multiple attempts.

Hamel was in the water for roughly 20 minutes, according to Gidley, before a Hampton Fire Department rescue boat was used to bring Hamel and Ingham to shore.

Neither man was injured or required medical attention.

Hamel was then arrested and brought to the police station for booking, according to Gidley. He said Hamel was charged because his actions "endangered" Ingham.

The police report for the incident has yet to be completed, although Gidley did say Hamel was released on unknown bail after the rescue.

It was unknown Thursday when Hamel is due in court for arraignment.