As officer Mike Hotz approached a man poised on the edge of Nashville's Victory Memorial Bridge, the individual shouted, "back off. Don't come any closer."

Lieutenant Hotz, of the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department, was dispatched on 23/7 following reports of a man livestreaming on social media, indicating he was on the bridge and preparing to end his life.

"My patrol car was the first on scene," Hotz, a 16-year veteran officer, recalled. "I stopped, exited, and attempted to engage him."

As other officers secured traffic on both ends of the bridge, Hotz dedicated 45 minutes to listening, striving to comprehend the man's despair.

Police officer Mike Hotz. Photo: Washington Post

Hotz, a former member of the department's crisis negotiation team, was trained in de-escalation and communication with individuals in distress.

"This person was in utter despair, experiencing the worst day of his life," Hotz explained. "I aimed to build trust, helping him understand that tomorrow brings a new day and things can improve."

After several minutes of conversation, the man began to open up. "Life events had pushed him into profound despair and hopelessness," Hotz recounted.

Even during their exchange, Hotz admitted fearing the worst. "He stood on the bridge railing and leaned out several times," he noted.

Drawing on his two terms in the Army, Hotz used his own experiences to forge an emotional connection. "Veterans are deeply impacted by mental health crises and suicide," he shared. "My comrades have encountered individuals intending to end their lives, and some have chosen that path."

Though the man was not a veteran, Hotz shared these stories, alongside personal struggles, to help him feel less isolated.

"I wanted him to know we cared, we were there to help, and he wouldn't face legal repercussions," Hotz stated.

Finally, Hotz extended his hand, hoping the man would step down and take it. "He stepped off the railing and walked towards me as I kept my hand out," Hotz recalled. "I realized he was coming for a hug. Then he burst into tears."

Mike Hotz embracing the man contemplating suicide on Victory Memorial Bridge in Nashville on 23/7. Photo: Nashville Police Department

The man sobbed in Hotz's arms. Holding him close, Hotz whispered words of care.

"This man needed to know people cared. That was the core message I aimed to convey," he explained.

Approximately 30 minutes later, a police department counselor arrived, and Hotz departed. "I'm grateful everything unfolded so smoothly," he shared. "I was in the right place at the right time to help someone."

The man is now receiving medical and mental health support, Hotz confirmed. "Anyone in crisis should remember that no matter how dire life seems, things will improve," he advised. "It's okay not to be okay. No matter who you are, someone in this world loves you."

Thanh Tam (Washington Post, News Channel 5 Nashville)