Coquitlam RCMP and off-duty Burnaby RCMP officers work together to bring distressed person to safety

July 16, 2026 - Coquitlam, British Columbia
From: Coquitlam RCMP

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On July 7, 2026, an off-duty Burnaby RCMP officer driving in Coquitlam observed a person in distress on an overpass above a busy, major roadway. Coquitlam RCMP was notified and attended the scene while the Burnaby RCMP officer continued to remain on scene. 

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. 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.

The person was subsequently safely apprehended, without issue, and transported to a local hospital.

Coquitlam RCMP encourage anyone who is experiencing a potential crisis to reach out for help by calling 9-1-1 or go to a hospital emergency room. Mental health support is also available by calling the BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line at 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), or call/text the National Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8, or call the BC Mental Health & Crisis Response at 310-6789 (no area code needed). Also, visit the British Columbia Help Starts Here website at www.helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca (English only).

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