HOLLYWOOD—Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood area helped prevent a man from committing suicide on January 17. Officers received a radio call of a “Suicide in Progress” on the corner of La Brea Avenue and Delongpre Avenue at 5:30 p.m., according to the LAPD blog.
Authorities spotted a man near the top of a telephone pole with a tied torn short around his neck, and he was threatening to hang himself from the pole. Hollywood supervisors coordinated the scene and requested multiple resources, including the Los Angeles Fire Department and Emergency Response Team. Officers were prepared to implement lifesaving action if the victim hung himself from the telephone pole. An extended ladder and air bag was deployed to assist with the safety of the victim.
Once the individual let go of his grip on the pole, he hung himself by the neck with his feet dangling in the air. Officer Joseph Marx and Chris Ignacio immediately took action and put the emergency contingency plan in place saving the man’s life.
Lieutenant Scott Murray stated, “I could not be prouder of the supervisors and officers who brought this incident to a successful and safe conclusion. Their actions saved the life of a mentally disturbed, suicidal man, who they neither knew, nor never met.”
The name of the victim who attempted suicide has not yet been disclosed to the public.
The victim received medical treatment by the Los Angeles Fire Department on the scene and was later transported to a local hospital for additional medical treatment and a mental evaluation. There were no reports of any officers injured during the incident. Hollywood supervisors and officers have been commended for their heroic action while upholding the proud traditions of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Anyone with questions or requests for interviews may be directed to the Hollywood Division watch commander, Lieutenant Scott Murray, by calling (213) 972-2976.
