ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County sheriff’s deputies helped bring a man to safety after he threatened to jump from the Vilano Bridge while experiencing a mental health crisis.
Deputies responded to the bridge Thursday, Sept. 24, after receiving a report of a person in distress at the top of the bridge, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies arrived, they determined the man was experiencing a mental health crisis and expressing thoughts of self-harm. As he threatened to jump, deputies began talking with him and urging him to step away from danger.
Within about 10 minutes, deputies persuaded the man to come down from the bridge and brought him to safety.
He was then transported to a health care facility for treatment. The sheriff’s office did not release his identity or provide additional information about his condition, citing the nature of the incident.
Following the rescue, SJSO highlighted several mental health and crisis services available locally and nationwide.
In St. Johns County, the agency pointed residents to the UF Health St. Johns Behavioral Health Resource Center, which provides 24-hour crisis assistance without an appointment, and EPIC Behavioral Healthcare’s Rapid Response Team, which can be reached at 904-495-7001 or through 988.
St. Augustine Youth Services also provides a 24-hour Mobile Response Team for people ages 5 to 25, accessible through 988 or 911.
Anyone experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support around the clock. In an immediate emergency, call 911.