RCMP officers more than met their duty to protect life in a September 2019 incident near Nanoose Bay that saw a suicidal man cut down while trying to hang himself, according to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
Police “acted swiftly and effectively” and were directly responsible for saving the man’s life, Ronald MacDonald, the IIO’s chief civilian director, said in his decision.
Police received a call early Sept. 5, 2019, about a man who had sent text messages to a friend indicating he was going to kill himself. Officers found the man on a bridge, but as they moved toward him he jumped off with a rope tied around his neck.
An officer on the bridge immediately cut the rope and others rushed to tend to the man.
MacDonald’s decision noted that the man had made prior arrangements for his suicide, including liquidating assets, making funeral arrangements and writing notes. He said police found out where he was through a dispatcher, who used pings from the man’s cellphone.
That led police to a suspension bridge in a forested area. The man’s rental car was located nearby.
Police were able to get hold of him on the phone and he stated he was intent on hanging himself.
“I will bid you farewell,” he said.
When he jumped from the bridge, he fell about six metres before the rope stopped him, just over half a metre above some rocks. He fell to the rocks when the rope was cut, which led to a broken shoulder.
Two officers then rushed in cut the noose from his neck. The noose was pulled so tight that the man couldn’t breathe, but he suffered only superficial neck injuries.
He was apprehended at the scene through the Mental Health Act. Paramedics were called and were able to walk from the bridge to meet them, accompanied by officers.
The IIO is a civilian-oversight agency that investigates police-related incidents resulting in serious harm or death.
jwbell@timescolonist
If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide, call the B.C. Crisis Centre at 1-800-784-2433. Or go to the centre’s website at crisiscentre.bc.ca
