Two New Jersey State Troopers rescued a distraught juvenile who was attempting to jump from an overpass on Interstate 676 in Camden City, Camden County.

On Friday, November 6, at 5:05 p.m., Trooper Cory Beczo and Trooper Brandon Muessig were dispatched to the report of a pedestrian standing on an overpass on Interstate 676. When Trooper Beczo arrived, he observed a male juvenile perched on a narrow ledge of the overpass above Atlantic Avenue in Camden.

While speaking to the juvenile, Tpr. Beczo observed that he was upset and was contemplating jumping from the overpass. A short time later, Tpr. Muessig arrived on scene to assist. The troopers spent several minutes speaking with the juvenile as they attempted to convince him to come back to the roadway portion of the overpass. Several times, the juvenile balanced on the narrow ledge without holding on to the metal guardrail.

The troopers recognized that the young man was becoming increasingly agitated as a crowd started to form on the street below. The troopers knew they needed to act quickly to prevent a tragedy, so they inched closer to the juvenile and quickly wrapped their arms around him pulling him to safety.

Tpr. Beczo and Tpr. Muessig safely escorted the young man to the troop car where they continued to comfort him and offer words of encouragement. A short time later, EMS arrived and transported him to an area hospital for further treatment.

We urge anyone experiencing a crisis that seems too much to bear to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.