Police are praising a bystander who helped them locate a man in mental health distress at Esquimalt Lagoon on June 5.
West Shore RCMP say a caller from out of province contacted the detachment saying they were concerned about the well being of a friend in the West Shore area.
The caller told police the individual had threatened self-harm.
Officers were searching for the man in distress and his vehicle, when they were flagged down on Ocean Blvd in Colwood by a bystander.
The bystander had spotted a semi-conscious man in a vehicle, but was unaware that the police were looking for this person already.
According to RCMP, the bystander’s actions “potentially helped save a life,” and police expressed gratitude to both the caller and the bystander for supporting a person in crisis.
The man was transported to hospital and received care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis to please reach out for help. You can visit the crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ website or call the crisis centre at 604-872-3311.
Additionally, you can always call your local police service for help.