COQUITLAM — Police are urging residents to seek immediate help when a person appears to be in crisis after officers safely resolved a tense situation on a local overpass earlier this month. According to a statement, an off-duty Burnaby RCMP member stopped in Coquitlam on July 7 after spotting an individual in distress. The officer stayed on scene and alerted Coquitlam RCMP, who arrived and used de‑escalation tactics to help bring the person to safety.
In their account of the incident, police said specially trained officers engaged the individual — described as emotionally overwhelmed and positioned partially over a railing — in a lengthy conversation to reduce the immediate risk. The person was ultimately escorted from the hazardous position and taken to hospital for care.
“Utilizing trained de-escalation skills, along with a large dose of care, the officers spoke at length to the emotionally despondent, visibly distressed person who was positioned partially over the railing,” the detachment said. “By building a bond of trust, the person was encouraged to bring themselves from their precarious position to a place of safety, where the conversation continued with police.”
Police urge immediate action and use of crisis services
Following the intervention, Coquitlam RCMP emphasized that anyone who is worried about their own safety — or the safety of someone nearby — should contact 9-1-1 without delay or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department. The detachment also highlighted several crisis lines available to residents, encouraging people to reach out early and often.
Police framed the Overpass incident as a reminder that timely calls from bystanders and swift coordination among officers can prevent harm. The presence of the off-duty Mountie, who paused to assist and then handed off to local responders, underscores the role that situational awareness and quick notification play in public safety.
Recognizing risk and responding as a bystander
Law enforcement’s message to the community is focused on practical steps that residents can take when they encounter someone who may be at risk of self-harm. Those actions can include notifying emergency services and, when it is safe to do so, remaining nearby to provide information to first responders.
- Call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger or a situation appears unsafe.
- If you can do so safely, stay on scene to share details with responders.
- Encourage the person to speak with trained supports via available crisis lines.
Helplines identified by police
In their public advisory, RCMP listed multiple crisis support options available to people in British Columbia and across Canada:
| Service | How to reach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line | 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) | Provincial support for people in crisis |
| National Suicide Crisis Helpline | 9-8-8 (call or text) | Nationwide access to trained responders |
| BC Mental Health & Crisis Response | 310-6789 (no area code) | Provincial mental health support line |
While RCMP did not identify the person involved or the specific overpass, they stressed that the outcome hinged on a deliberate, trauma‑informed approach. The individual was transported to hospital following the on‑scene intervention, police said.
The detachment’s call for vigilance and early outreach follows a string of public reminders to Coquitlam residents that emergency responders are trained to attend mental health‑related calls and can connect people with care. Officers noted that dialing 9-1-1 or using the helplines above can bring a rapid response when seconds matter.
