A suicidal man’s plans to end his life were thwarted early Tuesday morning thanks to an unlikely alliance between Michigan law enforcement and big rig truckers. Around 1 AM state police were summoned to aid a man in crisis on the wrong side of the I-696 overpass in Detroit. After following procedure and blocking off that portion of the freeway, officers then used an innovative technique to minimize risk to the man while they did the hard work of coaxing him back to safety.
After Michigan State Police blocked the road from thru traffic, they ordered several semi truck drivers, who'd been detoured off their path, to go back down and park under the overpass on both the eastbound and westbound sides of the freeway.
A Facebook page called “Twisted Truckers” shared an image from the harrowing scene, and a Michigan man named Chris Harrison commented that he was there, driving the yellow truck at the far left of the photo.
Harrison also shared this photo when he was accused of lying, offering a view from his truck. The man in white is the stranger the truckers found themselves protecting in the midst of their long haul.
The ordeal lasted about three hours, and ended with the best possible outcome.
All told, 13 semi trucks were parked under the overpass to shorten the distance he would fall, if he were to have jumped.
Thankfully, the man did not jump and the situation ended as the man walked off the bridge. He was taken by Huntington Woods Police to Beaumont hospital for evaluation.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that suicide is the tenth most common cause of death in the United States. Roughly 45,000 people take their own lives each year. For every 25 suicide attempts, the AFSP says, one person succeeds.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, PLEASE call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to both civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text to 741-741.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.