Several West Shore RCMP officers, along with a concerned person, are credited with saving the life of a woman experiencing a mental health crisis Monday morning.
A concerned citizen called police around 10:20 a.m. after noticing a woman walking near the 300 block of Old Island Hwy. She was reportedly crying and appeared to be in distress.
The woman had just made her way to the railway overpass on the Old Island Highway as West Shore RCMP officers arrived.
The officers approached the woman just as she climbed over the top of the railing and began sliding down.
“It was clear that the woman was experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Const. Nancy Saggar.
Traffic underneath the overpass was temporarily stopped as two additional officers rushed over and grabbed a hold of the woman, bringing her back over the top of the railing to safety.
“There is no doubt that they helped save her from serious injury or worse. She was taken to the hospital and our hope is that she receives the care she needs. We want to thank the concerned citizen for calling police as well as our officers for their quick actions”, said Cst. Nancy Saggar added.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433. You can also visit them online.
