AT approximately 9 p.m. on September 7, New Westminster Police Department officers were called to a building near Royal Avenue and 10th Street after reports of someone who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. The man had allegedly scaled the outside wall of the condominium and was standing dangerously close to a second-story ledge.
When attempts were made to communicate with the man he jumped from the second story ledge to an adjacent roof and ran out of sight. Due to the high risk behaviours observed, the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team and a New Westminster Police Department negotiator were called to the scene.
The New Westminster Police Department negotiator made contact with the man who was now on the ledge of the adjacent rooftop. She proceeded to negotiate with him for the next six hours. At approximately 4 a.m. the man was safely taken into custody and transported to the local hospital for care.
“I am tremendously proud of the excellent work of New Westminster Police Department officers,” said Chief Constable Dave Jansen. “The patience, professionalism and compassion shown in the response to this man in crisis was outstanding. We will be there for you, we will not give up.”
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you can call 9-1-1 if you believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others. Those in need of mental health support can visit www.crisiscentre.bc.ca or www.fraserhealth.ca.
