Des Moines Police Talk Man Off Ledge in Rooftop Rescue

On May 26, 2025, Des Moines police officers helped save a man in crisis who had climbed outside the guardrail of an 11-level downtown parking ramp. Thanks to quick thinking, calm negotiation, and de-escalation tactics, officers resolved the situation peacefully.

Man on Rooftop Prompts Urgent Police Response

Just after noon, a concerned citizen dialed 911 to report a man standing beyond the guardrail of a parking structure on 5th Avenue. The caller feared he might fall or jump. Firefighters and police rushed to the scene.

“It was a pretty tense situation,” said Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department.

The first officer on scene, a seasoned patrol veteran, relied on academy training to build trust with the man. He used patient listening, non-threatening posture, and a quiet presence to create a connection.

“Some shouted unhelpful comments,” Parizek noted, referencing crowd behavior that added pressure to the already delicate situation.

Teamwork and Crisis Training Lead to Success

As more officers arrived, crowd control became a concern. Police reminded onlookers to allow them space to focus on safely helping the man.

A Metro STAR Crisis Negotiator joined the effort but chose not to take over. Instead, they provided guidance while allowing the first officer to continue leading the communication, an approach that demonstrated the trust and collaboration within the department.

The situation was emotionally charged, and officers worked diligently to prevent it from becoming a “spectator event.”

Man Climbs to Safety After 90 Minutes

After about 90 minutes, the man voluntarily climbed back over the guardrail. He was safely escorted to an ambulance and transported for evaluation and care. While details about the man were not disclosed, officers said he was connected with the right mental health resources.

Recognizing Heroism Behind the Badge

Police credited the life-saving rescue to the calm and compassionate actions of their officers. The incident shines a light on the importance of mental health police response, suicide prevention strategies, and the role of trained crisis negotiators.

If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Just dial 988 to talk or text with trained counselors.

At We Love Police, we honor the officers, paramedics, and communication teams who embody courage, skill, and compassion. To see more acts of heroism, or to learn more about who we are and why we share these stories, visit our About Us or Homepage.

References

• Des Moines police talk man off ledge, save a life - Radio Iowa (by Matt Kelley)

• Des Moines police talk a man from the ledge of the top floor of a downtown parking ramp - KCCI (by Marcus McIntosh)

• Image Source - Radio Iowa 

• Video Source -  KCCI

FAQs

1. What should you do if you see someone on a ledge or in danger of falling?

Call 911 immediately and avoid shouting or startling the person. Stay at a safe distance and let trained first responders manage the situation.

2. How do police handle mental health crisis calls?

Many police departments, like Des Moines PD, train officers in de-escalation and crisis negotiation to handle mental health situations safely and compassionately.

3. What is the 988 mental health crisis line?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national service available by phone or text, offering 24/7 support from trained mental health counselors.

4. Do police officers receive training in suicide prevention?

Yes. Many departments incorporate suicide prevention and crisis de-escalation into their academy training and ongoing professional development.