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Deputies assist man in crisis on Memorial Bridge

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 6 months AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | March 7, 2025 1:07 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies prevented a man from jumping from Veterans Memorial Centennial Bridge over the weekend, according to a news release issued Thursday by the sheriff’s office.

Early Sunday morning, police responded to a report that a man was “standing precariously” on the bridge. Upon arrival, deputies found the man standing on the guardrail. 

“The deputies immediately engaged in conversation with the man, who revealed he was contemplating ending his life by jumping from the bridge,” the news release said. 

The sheriff’s office said deputies spent 15 minutes speaking with the man. A video recording released by the sheriff’s office showed two deputies approach the man from behind, grab him and pull him onto the bridge. 

After that, the man was transported to Kootenai Health for treatment. 

Help is available to North Idaho residents who are struggling with mental illness or thoughts of suicide. 

The North Idaho Crisis Center at 2301 Ironwood Place in Coeur d’Alene offers free, confidential help for people who are having a mental health crisis or substance abuse problems. 

The center is open 24/7. No referral is necessary. Call 208-625-4884. 

Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988.

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