Hudson Valley-A potentially tragic situation was averted Thursday night after City of Poughkeepsie police officers successfully intervened to save a suicidal man on the Mid-Hudson Bridge.
According to authorities, on October 16, 2025, at approximately 10:08 p.m., City 911 dispatchers received a third-party call reporting that a man in distress was en route to the bridge with the intent to harm himself. A detailed description was immediately broadcast to all available patrol units, prompting an urgent multi-agency response.
Within minutes, multiple officers and detectives located the individual on the bridge and began a tense and delicate negotiation. Using their crisis intervention training, officers were able to establish a line of communication, calmly engaging the man and convincing him to accept help.
After a careful and compassionate exchange, the man agreed to be transported to a nearby hospital for mental health evaluation and treatment. Officers remained with him throughout the process, assisting hospital staff to ensure a safe transition into care.
Police officials commended the professionalism and empathy displayed by the responding officers, emphasizing how vital training and teamwork are in such critical moments.
“This is exactly why crisis intervention training is so important,” a department spokesperson said. “Our goal is always to preserve life and connect people in crisis with the help they need.”
The department also reminded residents that help is always available for those struggling with mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Locally, Mental Health America of Dutchess County provides free and confidential services for anyone in need of support.