Victoria: West Shore RCMP and View Royal Fire Department secured life of a 22 year old male who was sitting on the edge of Helmcken road overpass on July 12, 2014 in View Royal of BC. 911 received calls reported that the male was sitting on the edge of the overpass like he wanted to harm himself.
West Shore RCMP officers attended and engaged the male in conversation; he was resistant to receiving assistance or conversing with police. Officers were able to secure the male but given the location of the male and concern for the safety of the male and the safety of the officers at scene, West Shore RCMP contacted View Royal Fire Department to assist with their ladder truck. Officers used the ladder truck to transit to the railing of the overpass and secured the male with a safety harness so that he could be brought to safety on the other side of the railing.
The 22 year old male was taken to hospital by the BC Ambulance service for care. West Shore RCMP Officers had closed the north bound lanes of the Trans Canada Highway for approximately 30 minutes until the male could be brought to safety.
West Shore RCMP Detachment Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz said, “We were very fortunate to be able to work closely with our partners at the View Royal Fire Department to bring this situation to a successful resolution.”