Seattle Police Help Rescue Man in Crisis on I-5 Bridge
A peaceful outcome on the Ship Canal Bridge, led by calm officers and a multi-agency response from SPD and WSP.
Admin
A man experiencing a mental health crisis on Seattle’s Ship Canal Bridge was safely brought to help last Thursday, thanks to the calm response from the Seattle Police, their Hostage Negotiation Team, and the Washington State Patrol.
Officers arrived around 3:45 p.m. after reports came in of a man in distress. Several lanes on I-5 were shut down while officers worked to de-escalate the situation safely.
An Hour of Patience, Compassion, and Listening
Sergeant David Sullivan, a longtime member of the Seattle Police Department, stood near the edge of the bridge with the man, trying to build trust during the tense hour.
“This is a very professional person; he is at the VP level in his organization,” Sergeant Sullivan said. “He’s just suffering from a long-term behavioral health condition that he has hidden because of the stigma. It’s just really sad.”
As they talked, Sgt. Sullivan told the man about treatment options, including the new King County Crisis Center in Kirkland, which offers inpatient crisis stabilization services.
“This model is the future,” Sullivan said. “It’s a lot more respectful of behavioral conditions than sending someone to the ER. They are focused on behavioral health. This model has worked in other parts of the country.”
Sgt. Sullivan, who has already referred two people to the center that week, remained focused on giving the man options and hope.
Safe Resolution, Warm Blanket, Real Connection
Eventually, the man climbed back over the guardrail. At that point, Sergeant James Kim, who oversees SPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team, stepped in.
“After he climbed over [the guardrail], I gave him a blanket to get warm, and we just talked,” Kim said. “We talked about our kids; this was somebody I could talk to. It’s hard.”
Kim later added that everyone on the scene, from Washington State Patrol to Seattle Police and the Washington Department of Transportation, treated the man with compassion and care.
In an email to SPD, WSP Captain Ron Mead wrote:
“It goes without saying that a life no doubt was saved tonight by the great work of everyone involved, and my particular thanks to Trooper Jaramillo and SPD Sgt. Sullivan and Kim. Your efforts made a difference, and I’m hopeful that [the man in crisis] gets the help he desperately needs. The public we all serve are better because of the great partnerships between the WSP and SPD leading to great outcomes like this and exceptional public servants like each of you!”
A Career Defined by Service
Though Sgt. Sullivan is humble about his actions, his dedication has not gone unnoticed. He will receive the Medal of Honor from the Seattle Police Foundation later this month.
That recognition follows his work in November 2024, when he chased down and apprehended a man suspected of stabbing 10 people in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District over two days. His quick action in that case may have prevented further harm and was widely praised.
Real People Behind the Uniform
This recent rescue on the Ship Canal Bridge wasn’t about tactics or force, it was about patience, trust, and knowing when to simply listen. It’s the kind of outcome that shows what police can do when they’re trained and supported in responding to mental health situations with care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 24/7, free, and confidential.
