A man who was reportedly threatening to jump from atop the footbridge near Bridgepoint Plaza in Floyd County on Saturday was eventually talked down and taken to the hospital.

According to Captain Terry Autry with the Rome Police Department officers talked with the man for almost two hours to keep him from jumping. Finally he allowed firefighters to help him down; however, as a ladder was being set up to help the man he decided to climb down on his own.

He was on the inside of the bridge, but he then moved to the outside of the bridge, using the American flag light display as a ladder. He then slipped and fell into the river below.

A rescue boat was already in the water and firefighters were able to pull the man out.

Captain Autry confirmed the man was alert, and talking with emergency responders, before being taken to Floyd Medical Center by ambulance.

The man’s name has not been released at this time.

Photo taken by John Druckenmille with Hometown Headlines

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)