Two Cherry Hill police officers helped bring a man in crisis to safety Wednesday, Nov. 4, during a response that temporarily closed Route 38 and Haddonfield Road, according to police accounts reported by New Jersey 101.5 and Daily Voice.
Officers responded to the Haddonfield Road overpass above Route 38 at about 12:30 p.m. The man was brought to safety after approximately 20 minutes of conversation, the reports said.
Officers listened and built trust
Officer Jared Colbert arrived first, followed by Officer John Casey, a member of the department’s Critical Incident Negotiating Team, according to the police account published by Daily Voice.
The officers spoke with the man and listened to his concerns while other responders secured the surrounding roads. Police said he was uninjured and was taken for further care.
New Jersey 101.5 reported that he was taken to a hospital. The department praised the officers for their patience, compassion and respectful treatment of a person in distress.
Road closures caused delays
The response closed Haddonfield Road and both directions of Route 38 near the overpass, according to Daily Voice. Police acknowledged the traffic disruption and thanked drivers for their patience.
Cherry Hill firefighters, emergency medical crews and the New Jersey Department of Transportation also assisted, the department said in that report.
Help is available
Anyone in the United States experiencing emotional distress can call 988 or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is also available through the Lifeline’s online chat.
