Springfield police: Man, bystander help save man’s life

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) – Police are calling a Springfield man a hero after he helped distract a man who was attempting suicide while police pulled him to safety.

The Register-Guard reports (http://bit.ly/2nYhCOt ) Brandon Rapolla saw a man hanging over the railing of a 90-foot-bridge in Springfield Tuesday. Police say another bystander alerted them of the situation.

Officers found Rapolla pleading with the man and decided to pull the man back over the railing while he was distracted by Rapolla.

Police say the man was taken to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center, University District for a mental health evaluation.

The officers said Rapolla and the bystander’s actions helped save the man’s life.