PAC: Woman grabs man to save him from jumping off bridge in NZ
28 Mar 2009 6:41 PM
HAMILTON, March 28, NZPA - An elderly woman who struggled with a man to stop him throwing himself into a New Zealand river has been praised by police who are considering how best to recognise her bravery.
Motorists ignored the pair as they struggled on a bridge over the Waikato River in the North Island city of Hamilton on Saturday until two men finally came to the rescue.
Police have not named any of the participants but acting Senior Sergeant Jason McKay said the woman, thought to be in her seventies, spotted the man in trouble while she was out walking.
The man, apparently in a distressed state, was sitting on a ledge of the bridge on the opposite side.
The woman crossed the road and spoke to him.
He told her he didn't want to live, but McKay said police had since learned he was "coming down" after taking methamphetamine.
"He slipped or tried to jump into the river but the woman grabbed hold of him and struggled to hold him while able-bodied motorists drove past. Fortunately two men saw her predicament and came to her aid, one flagging down a police car."
Police are now assessing how best to recognise the woman's actions.
McKay said that when he spoke to the men who helped they were adamant the woman deserved formal recognition.
"We'll be discussing just what the best form of recognition would be, but at this time we certainly want to state her actions were of the highest calibre."
