CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A distraught man was saved from harming himself and others when Clarksville police officers worked together to diffuse the situation.

Around 2:15 p.m., Sunday, July 22, officers were called to the bridge at 101st Parkway and Ft Campbell Blvd. There were multiple calls to 911 about a man in his late 30s dangling his feet over the cement barrier of the bridge with a woman standing next to him.

When Officer Walker arrived on scene, the man became extremely agitated and said he wanted to harm himself. Officer Walker gave the man some space and shut down traffic over and under the bridge.

Patrol Sgt. Seay, Patrol Sgt. Ferguson, and Negotiator Sgt. Ewing talked to the man in an effort to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution without the man hurting himself. In the meantime, the man had moved to stand on the barrier.

While Sgt. Seay and Sgt. Ewing talked to the man, Sgt. Ferguson was able to get into a position where he was able to pull the man down from the top of the barrier.

“Officers risked their personal safety to remove the man from the barrier,” CPD spokesman Jim Knoll said. “The quick and decisive actions of the officers on the scene were instrumental in preventing the suicidal man from harming himself, others, and providing him the opportunity to get assistance to help himself.”

Suicide Prevention

Professional crisis intervention specialists can be reached by calling the Tennessee Toll-Free Statewide Crisis Telephone Line, 1-855-Crisis1, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These services and immediate assistance can also be received by calling 911.

Common suicide warning signs include feeling hopeless or helpless; being sad or depressed most of the time; experiencing strong anger; talking or writing about death; withdrawing from family and friends; acting impulsively; losing interest in previously enjoyed activities; abusing alcohol and/or drugs; not doing well at work or school; reckless behavior; writing a will; and experiencing a change in eating and/or sleeping habits.

Suicide.org is a non-profit organization and website that maintains a list of additional state and national resources to help those with questions. A list of toll-free telephone numbers for assistance and services in Tennessee may be found at www.suicide.org or by calling 1-800-SUICIDE.

OTHER RESOURCES:

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers a crisis hotline that offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-855-CRISIS-1.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers a crisis line that also offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255, VeteransCrisisLine.net or send a text to 838255.

Other online resources from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are offered at www.MakeTheConnection.net and SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.