Suicidal Man Talked Down From Newburgh Beacon Bridge

PRESS RELEASE

On February 29, 2016 at approximately 9:00 pm the Town of Newburgh Police Department requested assistance from the New York State Police regarding a suicidal male.  The distraught 29 year old had walked to the center span of the Newburgh Beacon Bridge and was clinging to the outermost railing on the south side of the bridge, threatening to jump.  Town of Newburgh Officers and Troopers initially made contact with the distraught individual until the Troop F Crisis Intervention Team responded and assumed the negotiations. This person was despondent over recent marital and personal issues.  After two and a half hours of conversation, the male climbed back onto the pedestrian walkway and was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.  The Town of Newburgh Police Department transported him to the Orange County Regional Medical Center for an evaluation.

The following agencies and specialized units responded to assist at the scene: Town of Newburgh Police Department, New York State Police – Troop F Uniform and BCI, Troop F Crisis Intervention Team, NYSP Special Operations Response Team, NYSP Aviation Unit, and the City of Newburgh Fire Department (Rescue Boat Division).  Two lanes of the eastbound lane of the Newburgh Beacon Bridge were closed for the duration of this incident.