Cedartown man survives plunge
The 52-year-old is reported to be OK after climbing the footbridge.
A Cedartown man who police say was contemplating suicide fell from the Robert Redden Footbridge at Heritage Park and into the Oostanaula River, but was quickly rescued Saturday.
Rome police Lt. Trixie Morgan and Maj. Debbie Burnett identified the man as 52-year-old Wendell Martin.
Martin climbed to the top framing of the bridge around 2 p.m. and stayed there for about two hours.
He was trying to climb back down after talking to officers when he slipped and fell into the water below, according to Rome Police Capt. Terry Autry.
He told Rome police officer Tim White, who was negotiating with him, that he was having personal issues, said Morgan.
After he first climbed up to his perch, he said he just wanted to drink and smoke, according to Floyd County police officer Chase Burnes. Martin had Pabst Blue Ribbon beer with him.
Three Rome-Floyd County firefighters — Mark Jenkins, Cody Benton and Matt Aultman, — were waiting in a rescue boat to pull Martin out of the water.
Burnes said Martin was breathing and talking after he was rescued, and was taken to Floyd Medical Center. FMC officials said Martin was not listed on the public roll.
During the first hour of the incident, Martin stood up and almost fell from the top of the bridge, but was able to regain his balance.
Police stopped traffic on Second Avenue to keep passersby from gawking at Martin. Several drivers and pedestrians shouted obscenities at him, and one female called for him to jump.
However, many onlookers were concerned for Martin, and were praying for his safety.