A man was fortunately saved after threatening to jump from the I-95 overpass on Palm Coast Parkway on Tuesday, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. The incident occurred in the late morning or early afternoon in Palm Coast, with the large law enforcement response and impact to traffic garnering significant attention and speculation on social media.
The man reportedly called in to the FCSO claiming he was planning on jumping from the overpass. Multiple other callers reported seeing him in position as well. He was willing to speak with emergency responders, but stated he did not want to talk to female deputies according to the FCSO’s recap. Responding agencies included the FCSO and their Crisis Negotiations Team, Florida Highway Patrol, and Palm Coast Fire Department.
The PCFD got a ladder up to where the man was standing, allowing law enforcement to take him into custody and remove him from the potentially suicidal situation. He was placed under a Baker Act, a Florida statute providing an avenue for those in mental health crisis to be placed into involuntary treatment or custody. He was then taken for medical evaluation following the scary incident.
“I hope he gets the help he needs,” said Sheriff Rick Staly of the crisis on Tuesday. “The quick response and combined efforts of FCSO deputies, Crisis Negotiators, the Communication Center, and Fire Rescue saved a life today. I’m proud of the team effort.”
Bodycam footage provided by the FCSO shows the rescue of the man from the perspective of a deputy who was stationed on the overpass.
Glad the FCSO was able to get him to safety. As well as Baker Acting him. IMO, he definitely didn’t want to die on Tuesday, even though he looked like he did. I say this because and it’s just my opinion because I’m not a doctor. But there have been so many articles where people wanting to commit suicide and yet they themselves call the police or wait for the police to show because they know someone else will call. His mental issue might be loneliness, depression or both. He just wanted attention to discuss things with someone and everyone prior wasn’t paying attention. JMHO.