A glance from a bus operator and a conversation with a cop may have helped save a man’s life.
While operating Route 7 last month, Heywood Operator David Williams noticed a man standing at the edge of the Cedar Avenue bridge and immediately called for help.
“I’m glad my eyes caught him,” Williams said. “All I could think about was that he’s lonely, sad, and contemplating jumping. And he’s someone’s son, brother, or father.”
Supervisors in the Transit Control Center dispatched Metro Transit police, and officer Juan Peralta arrived soon after. Through conversation, Peralta discovered the young man was experiencing a severe episode of depression.
“You don’t know me. Why do you care?” the man said.
“True, I don’t know you,” Peralta responded. “But I care about you because you’re a human being.”
Comforted, the man stepped back and allowed Peralta to transport him to a local hospital.
Williams and Peralta said they were grateful about the outcome and hopeful the man would continue to get the help he needs. “It feels good to help him today, but it’s not over,” Peralta said. “I hope that today’s actions might help him see differently in the future.”
If you or a loved one is at risk of suicide, call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor. Find more resources at namimn.org.