Two officers credited for pulling distraught female from Nanaimo bridge

Two officers credited for pulling distraught female from Nanaimo bridge
CHEK

File photo.

File photo.

Two RCMP officers in Nanaimo are being credited for potentially saving a young woman’s life at a downtown bridge two weeks ago.

Constables Derek Carl and Jessica Barnett were alerted by bystanders of a situation on the Bastion Street Bridge around 9:30 p.m. on May 28.

The two officers found a distraught female who appeared to be in her late teens standing on the top rail of the bridge and looking despondent and gazing outward.

Although the female would not open up to dialogue from Cst. Carl, Cst. Barnett tried to have a conversation and was successful.

The officer was able to speak to her about her struggles, which allowed her partner to slowly walk behind the female and pull her to safety.

She was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and then transported to a hospital for a psychiatric assessment.

“I was just glad to be in the right place at the right time and was able to engage her long enough, so my partner could safely pull her to safety. It was evident to both of us she was in a lot of pain,” said Cst. Barnett.

“I hope she gets the help she needs to bring her out of the dark place she is in. Tonight was a good night and this is exactly why I joined the RCMP – to help people.”

Nanaimo RCMP said anyone in crisis can call a 24-hour helpline at 1-888-494-3888, adding there are numerous mental health resources in the Nanaimo area.

Andy NealAndy Neal

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