An Akron, Ohio, police officer is being hailed as a hero for saving the life of a suicidal man just as he was about to jump off a highway bridge.

According to the Akron Police Department, Officer Kyle Cunningham rescued a distressed 24-year-old man standing on a bridge over Route 8 on December 22.

Officers initially responded to a call at around 10:30 a.m. on Arch Street and North Adolph Street regarding a young man in a crisis situation inside his vehicle, parked in the middle of the street.

While attempting to de-escalate the situation, officers witnessed the man abruptly put his car in reverse and speed away before abandoning his vehicle and making a desperate run toward Route 8. 

Officer Cunningham, the second responder, immediately jumped into action just as the individual was climbing over the railing of the bridge.

According to police accounts, Cunningham just barely managed to grab the man as he was letting go.

Despite the dangerous situation, Cunningham held on until additional officers arrived, ensuring the distressed individual’s safety.

“Somehow, the officer managed to hold onto the 24-year-old man until additional officers arrived and assisted in pulling him to safety,” the department reported in an official statement.

Cunningham reflected on the harrowing scenario.

“Whatever it took, I wasn’t going to let go. There are so many officers here that, in the same situation, they would do the same thing. I was just fortunate enough to be there at the right time, the right call, and when my number was called, I was able to perform the task at hand and be successful and help him,” he said.

Apparently, it was the man’s distressed man’s parents who initially contacted 9-1-1 and communicated their son’s intentions.

Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett commended the officer’s heroic actions that day.

“It’s the heroic actions of this officer that this family isn’t dealing with a tremendous tragedy right now,” Chief Mylett remarked. “Hero is an understatement. He put himself at risk for a complete stranger.”

“I am so proud of what he and the other officers on that bridge did. It means everything,” Mylett added.

Following the incident, the 24-year-old man was promptly transported to a local hospital for a comprehensive medical evaluation. 

Chief Mylett later disclosed that the man had been committed to a medical facility and hoped that he would receive the necessary support to turn his life around.

Cunningham, downplaying his role as a hero, remained humble.

“I was just fortunate enough to be there at the right time, the right call, and when my number was called, I was able to perform the task at hand and be successful and help him,” he said.

Chief Mylett concluded by encouraging individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts to seek help, directing them to the suicide hotline at 988.