Victory Bridge
*File Photo by Joe Bayona

Given by Deputy Chief Lawrence Cattano:  3/18/16

PERTH AMBOY – At 8:43 a.m. Perth Amboy Police received a call about a man on the southbound side of the Victory Bridge on the outside of the rail and hanging on looking to jump. At 8:44 a.m. a police sergeant was on location and established a dialog with the individual. This sergeant was accompanied by additional Police Officers from the Perth Amboy and the Sayreville Police Department.  The 25 year old resident was upset and threatening to jump to the water 110 feet below. The Bridge was secured of all vehicular traffic and marine units from our Police and Fire Departments responded and were in position within 10 minute. The negotiation continued for several hours until at 11:16 a.m.  The individual indicated that he wanted to come over the rail to safety,  then abruptly fought and pushed the assisting officers away and jumped to the water below.  As the Police and Fire marine units were in position below, they were immediately able to retrieve the individual from the water and get him on aboard the fire vessel where they began tending to him medically prior to turning him over to the awaiting EMS units on shore. Fortunately, the outstanding coordination between all Police and Fire Units involved allowed for the immediate rescue efforts and to bring it to its conclusion as safely as possible.