Police officer pulls off ledge to safety in body cam video

DULUTH, Minn. -- A police officer's body cam captured the powerful moment when he pulled a man off the ledge of a building.

Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay wrote on Facebook that the incident occurred during the week of Sept. 21. In the video, Officer Joe DeJesus is responding to a call about a man on the ledge of a parking garage threatening to jump off. DeJesus is careful approaching the man.

"I'm not here to jam you up," he says. "I'm here to help you."

He listens patiently as the man explains that he believes people want to kill him. The man says, "I'm OK with not living anymore."

DeJesus then offers the man a cigarette, telling him to stay seated while he retrieves it from his patrol car.

The last few seconds of the video capture the crucial moment when DeJesus pulls the man to safety. As the man accepts DeJesus' cigarette, the officer takes the opportunity to pull him off and away from the ledge.

"The male was taken in for help and was uninjured thanks to the excellent work by Officer DeJesus," Ramsay wrote. "This is an example of the life saving work our officers do every day."

Dozens of people commented on the video praising DeJesus' quick thinking, even suggesting that the video be used to train other police officers.

"Impossible tasks done daily, and making it look easy. Love the DPD," wrote one person.

"This guy fits the protect and serve model. Hire more like this guy," wrote another.