Police Save Man Threatening Jump At West Chester Parking Garage

WEST CHESTER, PA — Police in West Chester talked a man in from a parking garage ledge on Tuesday morning, de-escalating the situation before the man could harm himself.

West Chester Police Department officers rushed to the Bicentennial Garage at 20 South High St., following a report that a man was standing on the top floor ledge, threatening to jump, around 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 1.

Officers arrived and found the man standing on the ledge. Police said they quickly established a perimeter around the building to prevent motorists and pedestrians from being injured.

Meanwhile, a team of two police officers responded to the top floor of the parking garage to make contact with the man and attempt to de-escalate the situation.

As officers spoke with the man, a hostage negotiator was called in, along with a rescue company from Delaware County that is equipped with a large air bag.

After about 30 minutes of conversation, the man came off the ledge and back onto the roof.

Officers took him into custody for his safety, police said. He was placed in emergency medical services for mental health counseling.

The area was reopened shortly after the situation was de-escalated, police said.