Law enforcement officers and fire personnel rescued a distressed man Friday after he nearly fell from a freeway overpass at the El Monte Bus Station.
At approximately 10:15 a.m. Friday, deputies conducting a patrol check at the station were alerted by a Metro ambassador about a man dressed in black who appeared to be harming himself, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
A deputy attempted to contact the man, but he walked away, the department reported.
Blood was discovered near a concrete bench, prompting the deputy to search the area, where the man was located on an upper level of the station.
Amezcua observed blood on the man’s hands as he continued walking toward Santa Anita Avenue, and recognizing the urgency, he requested backup and followed the man, who was later found standing on an overpass above the San Bernardino (10) Freeway.
The man was in apparent distress, sheriff’s officials said.
Additional resources were requested, including deputies who specialize in mental evaluations, the California Highway Patrol for a traffic break and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The deputy began speaking with the man in an effort to move him away from the ledge and de-escalate the situation, sheriffs officials said.
After several minutes, the man appeared to lose consciousness and began to fall from the overpass.
Two other deputies lunged forward and grabbed the man, preventing him from falling, authorities said.
With assistance from additional deputies, CHP officers and fire personnel, the man was pulled to safety.
“The deputies’ actions were critical in preventing a fall,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
The man was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition, officials said.
The extent of his injuries was not disclosed.
Anyone with information regarding the rescue operation was urged to call Transit Services Bureau Lt. Pasquale Aiello at 323-563-5111. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.