Distraught local man jumps from Bridge of Lions

St Augustine police spokesman Mark Samson reported to Historic City News that patrolmen and emergency personnel responded to the Bridge of Lions today at about 2:45 p.m. to a call for help from a man who apparently threw himself off the bridge into the chilly water below.

The police marine unit assisted in recovery of the local, black man, whose name was not released. St Johns County Fire Rescue aided in stabilizing the patient, who was transported to Flagler Hospital for evaluation.

According to police, the man did not use a vehicle, but walked onto the sidewalk of the Bridge of Lions and jumped. Officials at the scene are reporting that the man wanted to hurt himself.