Holts Summit officer saves man from jumping off overpass

A Holts Summit police officer is still on light duty after suffering minor injuries to keep man from jumping off a U.S. 54 overpass earlier this month.

On Dec. 23 at 8:37pm, the Holts Summit Police Department responded to the area of Center Street and US 54 regarding a suicidal subject.

The responding officer was told that a 911 operator was on the telephone with a male subject who stated he was going to jump off the overpass into traffic.

When the officer arrived on scene he found a man sitting on the metal railing of the bridge, directly over traffic on 54.

The officer was able to establish limited communications with the man, but when he started to approach the man he threatened to jump.

After the officer setup a call with a relative on a cell phone, the officer waited while the man talked to the relative.

As the conversation continued, the officer slowly approached the man and when he was distracted, the officer ran towards the man and wrapped his arms around the upper body of the man.

There was a brief struggle and the man tried to pull himself and the officer over the overpass railing.

The officer was able to gain control of the man and pull him safely onto the bridge deck.