Sacramento police save man from jumping off Highway 160 overpass

Sacramento police officers prevented a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis from jumping off the Tribute Road overpass on Highway 160 earlier this month.

Sacramento Police Department Chief Daniel Hahn released partially audio-redacted and blurred video from the March 4 morning incident “to inform our community on the complex, difficult and dangerous job of our police officers and dispatchers,” according to a press release Thursday.

“Moreover, it highlights the difficulties that can be associated with responding to people in crisis in our community,” the press release stated.

In body-worn camera videos, officers can be seen approaching a man standing next to the rail of the overpass, then pulling him away from the rail as he attempts to climb over it.

“We’re here for you, bud,” an officer can be heard saying in the body-worn camera footage as they handcuff the man. “I’m glad you waited for (redacted) because that means you care.”

The man, who remains unidentified, was later transported to a hospital for treatment, according to the press release.

In 2018, Sacramento Police Department responded to 10,999 calls for service that were mental health related, according to the press release. Since the start of 2019, officers have responded to 2,951 calls mental health calls.

Last year, the department created a full-time Mental Health Unit, which includes a mobile crisis support team consisting of a Sacramento County Division of Behavior Health licensed mental health professional and an officer.

In addition, all Sacramento Police Department police officers have completed a 40-hour course on Crisis Intervention Training.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at (800) 273-8255.