Woman in crisis rescued by police in Pickering

CW: This article contains content about suicide

Police are reminding people that help is available if they feel overwhelmed and in need of support.

Today, Durham Police said a woman in crisis was led to safety by a police officer after what appeared to be a close call in Pickering on the evening of April 14. According to police, officers were told that a woman was seen climbing over the railing of the Whites Road bridge over the 401.

Police say an officer arrived on scene and approached the woman with his arms open, hoping to show he was there to help. 

On X, police said the woman turned around and began to walk towards him, accepting the hug. 

“The officer was able to guide her away from the edge to a place of safety,” police said on social media. 

Durham police also reminded residents that the service operates a Mental Health Support Unit (MHSU). The MHSU consists of five teams, each comprised of an officer partnered with a registered nurse from Lakeridge Health. 

“Both the nurses and officers have extensive experience in mental health and are passionate about their field. The teams respond in a plain clothes capacity and in an unmarked police vehicle,” police said on their website.

Anyone in need of help is encouraged to call 211 or 988 (a suicide crisis helpline). Resources can also be found here.