Police Officer Breaks Down After Talking Suicidal Man Off Bridge: ‘I’ve Been in Your Shoes’

A New York police officer worked with his squad to save a suicidal man from jumping off a bridge. The dire situation was so personal that afterward, he broke down crying after stating, “I’ve been in your shoes,” multiple times.

https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1714795953553572165

NYPD News posted bodycam footage of the early October incident to X, formerly Twitter, stating, “Police Officers frequently interact with people having the worst day of their lives. 2 weeks ago, Officers Fayette & Mata talked to a distraught man in crisis for nearly 40 minutes until ESU officers rescued him.”

During the rescue, Mata stated, “I’ve been in your shoes, man. It’s not worth it.”

He repeated this multiple times and noted that help was available. He said, “As NYPD we do have the resource(s).”

Mata went on, “I promise you we’ll do anything in our power to help you. Please listen to me.”

The man stood on the ledge of a bridge, looking down on an overpass and began leaning forward.

“I’ve been in your shoes,” Mata reiterated.

He went on to note, “I promise you we have the resources that you need.”

Mata also told the man, “I care about you. And I care about your life,” as two other officers climbed over the railing on each side of the man and started working their way toward him on the ledge.

Fayette calmly offered support. He said, “Let us talk to you. Let us help you.”

“You are stronger than this, like I told you many times. You are. You can defeat this with our help,” he added

Mata agreed, saying, “You are stronger than this.”

He continued pleading as the man further bent down, overlooking the drop.

“I love you, brother. I care for you, brother. You have my shoulder brother. Lean on my shoulder, brother,” Mata stated, and vowed to be the man’s friend and help him.

“The sun is beautiful. Life is beautiful. You’re a beautiful, man. Please don’t give up on me, brother,” he concluded just before the officers on the ledge rushed in to pull the man back.

Once the danger was averted, Mata then walked off and broke down sobbing over the incident.

The NYPD 26th Precinct posted to X praising both officers, noting, “They spoke to the man with genuine empathy to let him know they cared and that help was available.”

https://twitter.com/NYPD26Pct/status/1712228301110964731

“Amazing work!”