Officers pull suicidal man from chilly Delaware River, cops say

NORTH CAMDEN — Law enforcement officers in Camden County are being credited with saving the life of a suicidal man who jumped into the Delaware River on Halloween.

On Monday at about 4 p.m., Camden County Police Sgt. Bob Plews and Investigator Jake Sidwa of the Sherriff’s Office responded to the section of the river adjacent to Pearl Street, where they found a man standing on the bulkhead.

"Upon seeing the officers the man, wearing only his underwear, jumped into the Delaware and began swimming toward deeper water," the sheriff's office said in a statement Wednesday.

Plews and Sidwa quickly removed their gear and jumped into the water in an attempt to convince the man to exit the water and return to shore where he could get help. The officers swam about 50 yards into the river and were able to reach the man. When they were about 50 yards out into water, they were able to reach him and prevent him from swimming out any further.

Camden County Metro Police Officers Joseph Olivo, Daniel Fiori and Alex Rodriguez then arrived and also entered the river. The officers continued their efforts to convince the man to allow them to pull him from the water, but he continued to resist, authorities said.

“They continued to talk with the man and relay to him that they were there to help and get him the assistance he needed, but he continued to resist the officers,” Cappelli said. “The man yelled and flailed his body, but the officers were able to maintain control of the situation due to their professionalism.”

The officers eventually managed to surround the man, each taking hold of part of his body until they were able to pull him to shore, the sheriff's office said.

The man was then transported Cooper University Hospital for medical assistance.

According to DelawareRiver.net, information from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that the water temperature in the river on Monday reached about 55 degrees.

“These officers used their training and experience to prevent a real tragedy from taking place on Monday,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “These officers all put service before self by jumping into river, their quick action is the reason this man is still alive today.”

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.