On Sunday, two Groton Police Officers successfully and compassionately talked a man off the top of the Gold Star Bridge security barrier in Groton, Connecticut. (Photo Courtesy Town of Groton Police)
*Click here for body-worn camera footage from the Gold Star Bridge incident.*
GROTON, CT — Thanks to quick-thinking and compassionate Groton first responders, a crisis was averted and a distraught man is getting the mental health assistance he needed.
On Sunday, May 3, at approximately 4:48 p.m., the Groton Emergency Communications Center received a radio call from Groton Ambulance personnel who were crossing the Gold Star Bridge in Groton. The ambulance personnel reported that a man had one leg over the top of the bridge’s security barrier.
Upon arrival, Groton Police Officers Bryan Albee and Cristopher Brillon observed a distressed man straddling the bridge security barrier of the northern section of the I-95 southbound span of the Gold Star Bridge.
The officers began a positive dialogue with the man, who eventually asked if Officer Albee would give him a hug. Officer Albee agreed and told the man that if he came down, he would give him a hug.
The man came down from the security barrier, and Officer Albee slowly walked toward him. They embraced and continued talking.
Connecticut State Police arrived on the scene and assumed control of the incident investigation. However, due to the positive rapport Officer Albee had established with the man, he accompanied him to a local hospital in a Groton Ambulance. The man was transported to Backus Hospital in Norwich for further evaluation.
Groton Town Police were also assisted at the scene by the Groton City Fire Department.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or who sees someone in crisis, should call 911, 211 or 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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