Man Prevented From Leaping Off Bridge
Four police officers were credited with preventing a man from jumping off a bridge over the Los Angeles River on Wednesday night, authorities said.
Los Angeles Police Sgt. Tom Walker said the four officers were able to talk their way close to the 24-year-old man on the railing of the 7th Street Bridge, 100 feet above the river, about 6 p.m., and then lunged, grabbing him as he was about to jump.
Walker said Officer Tom Burris diverted the unidentified man’s attention after he asked for a last cigarette. That diversion allowed Officer Mike Sledd and two other policemen to grab the man.
“The man told (the officers) he was dejected about not having a home and being unable to get a decent start in life,” Walker said. The man was placed in protective custody at County-USC Medical Center.
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