Police Help Talk Man 'In Crisis' Off Ledge Over Metro-North Tracks

MOUNT KISCO, NY — Westchester County police officers found themselves faced with a man at his lowest and relied on their training and humanity to find a happy ending for someone who couldn't see past the moment to find hope.

At 1:12 a.m. on Friday, Officers Restbergs and Flores responded after a caller reported that his roommate in Mount Kisco had injured his hand in a fall. When they arrived, the officers were told that the injured man had become upset and had left the apartment.

Police canvassed the area and soon located the man on Lieto Drive, where he had climbed over a railing and was standing on the outer ledge over the Metro-North railroad tracks. The man, who was visibly distraught, was threatening to jump, according to police.

Tapping their crisis intervention training and compassion, the officers were able to calm the man, win his trust and eventually convince him to come back over the railing.

The Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps was on the scene to provide initial care to the man, then transported him to Northern Westchester Hospital Center with an escort from the Westchester County Police.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, if you or someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:

• Do not leave the person alone.
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
• Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
• Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.