Shop-Rite Worker Credited With Preventing Suicide in East Haven

EAST HAVEN, CT - East Haven police are crediting a Shop-Rite employee for intervening and saving the life of someone who was planning on committing suicide on Wednesday.

East Haven police, on their Facebook page, said that Officer Wahib and Officer Adams were dispatched to assist the fire department at Shop Rite with a possible overdose.

The police's Facebook page tells the story.

"Upon arrival it was determined a loss prevention associate, identified as Antonio Collins, observed via CCTV an employee on break select a bottle of Zzzquil sleep aid and a bottle of sleeping pills and then purchase them at the registers in the front of the store.

"Collins had seen this employee in passing earlier in his shift and noticed cuts on his forearms as well. Collins continued to conduct surveillance on the employee and observed him drink the entire bottle of Zzzquil and most or all of the sleeping pills, then walk towards the public bathroom in the rear of the store.

"Collins dialed 911 and requested assistance, knowing the employee needed medical attention. Collins advised dispatch that the employee had entered the men's room in the rear of the store and stood by until police and fire department personnel arrived on scene.

"Upon arrival contact was made with the employee who admitted to having suicidal thoughts, and acknowledged his actions as a suicide attempt. The employee was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

"Antonio Collins showed excellent situational awareness in piecing together the marks on the employee and the items he purchased. These things could have easily gone unnoticed and are generally outside the scope of a loss prevention associate's responsibilities, however Collins saw a potentially tragic situation and prevented the worst outcome from becoming a reality."

Pictured: Chief Ed Lennon, Antonio Collins, and Officer Nick Adams