Rhode Island State Police rescue two in suicide attempts Monday

Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, reports that Troopers responded to two separate incidents early today in which individuals were threatening to take their own lives by jumping from highway overpasses.

The first incident occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. when Troopers spotted a man on the Eddy Street overpass to Interstate 95. He had climbed over the security fencing and was threatening to jump into the northbound lanes of the highway. The low-speed travel lanes were closed to traffic while a Trooper spent approximately 30 minutes speaking with this individual before he was able to coax him off the bridge and convince him to seek help. The individual was identified as a 21-year-old Providence resident. He was transported by Providence rescue to Rhode Island Hospital.

The second incident occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m., when Troopers received a call of a man hanging over the side of the New London Turnpike overpass in West Greenwich, where he appeared to be preparing to jump into the traffic below. Troopers quickly responded and were able to talk the man, identified as a 26-yearp-old Exeter resident, into seeking help instead. He was transported by West Warwick rescue to Kent County Hospital.

Colonel Assumpico commended the Troopers involved in each instance, noting they were able to convince the individuals to seek medical help.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health crisis and is in immediate danger, call 911.

You also can seek information and assistance through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).