GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Quick action and training helped Gloucester Township Police Department officers from de-escalating a suspected bridge jumper on Tuesday.
According to police, at approximately 12:30 pm, the Gloucester Township Police Emergency Communications Center received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a female who appeared to be preparing to jump off the Route 42 south overpass at exit 10A.
“Gloucester Township Police Officers and New Jersey State Police Troopers arrived and observed a female sitting on the bridge abutment, approximately 30 feet above the Black Horse Pike. The female was in obvious distress and threatened to jump if anyone approached her,” police said. “Route 42 south and the Black Horse Pike were temporarily closed while officers attempted to negotiate with the female. She continued to threaten to jump from the overpass and stood up several times as if she was preparing to do so.”
After several minutes, Officers and Troopers were able to grab her when she became distracted and pulled her back onto the shoulder of the roadway. The female was treated at the scene by medical personnel and then transported to a local hospital for crisis evaluation.