Newly-released bodycam video shows officers from the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit rescuing a man after he threatened to jump off the Williamsburg Bridge.
The footage shows the man’s leg dangling over the East River as officers worked to persuade him to come back from the edge on Wednesday afternoon.
One officer is heard trying to reassure the man in the video.
“I promise you, tomorrow — if you come back up with me, tomorrow, you’ll wake up and you’ll be like, ‘Thank you. I’m so happy that I didn’t do this.'”
The unidentified officer continued, “How do I know that? You think this is the first time I’ve dealt with someone else?” the officer said.
The man ultimately took police officers’ advice and allowed them to rescue him.
The 19-year-old was taken into custody and then to a hospital for evaluation.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.