Cops: Would-be Jumper on Bear Mountain Bridge

New York State Police prevented a suicidal man from jumping off the Bear Mountain Bridge on Sunday night. According to police, they were called to the bridge at about 10:30 p.m. — and when they got there they saw a young man walking up the suspension cable.

Police officials said the troopers immediately established a dialogue with the 21-year-old man, who they learned was depressed and having thoughts of suicide.

Several times throughout the tw0-hour conversation, police said, the man began hanging off the bridge’s suspension cable. Each time, however, the troopers were able to safely talk him back onto the cables.

A rapport was eventually established and the man agreed to come down from the cables, police said.

He was taken into custody and transported to Phelps Memorial Hospital for a mental health evaluation. His family was notified and responded to the hospital.

The New York State Police were assisted by the New York State Park Police and the NYS Bridge Authority personnel.