GAINESVILLE - A potentially deadly situation ended peacefully Monday evening when a suicidal man was talked out of jumping off of a Gainesville bridge.
Gainesville Police Sgt. Kevin Holbrook said officers were called to the Thompson Bridge over Lake Lanier around 8 p.m. in regards to an unidentified man threatening to jump to his death.
"The roadway was shut down immediately for the safety of all parties involved, including the individual threatening to jump," he said, calling the ordeal a "very sensitive situation."
Holbrook said officers entered into negotiations with the man, attempting to literally talk him off a ledge. After a tense few minutes, their efforts were successful.
"Through negotiations the individual did come off the side of the bridge of his own free accord," he explained. "He has since been taken into custody."
The man was taken from the scene to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for evaluation.
No charges have been filed at this time, with Holbrook saying that could change in the future.
"Whether charges can be filed or not depends on if we can release any identification on this individual, as many times the types of cases become medical cases," he said.
Holbrook expressed his gratitude to any local commuters who may have been affected by the ordeal for their patience.
"We do appreciate all those that were effected by this, those that were stuck in traffic, working with us."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/3/377389/suicidal-man-talked-down-from-thompson-bridge-ledge