Armed Bergen Man Threatening To Jump From GWB Rescued

FORT LEE, N.J. — Port Authority Police officers rescued an armed and emotionally disturbed man who threatened to jump off of the George Washington Bridge Friday morning, police said.

Police received information at 10:15 a.m. that Douglas Peck, 37, of Little Ferry, was going to the area to harm himself, said Joe Pentangelo, a Port Authority Police spokesman.

Port Authority Officer Robert Wallace saw Peck on the bridge's south walk on the outer part of the railing and spoke with him, Pentangelo said.

Peck indicated to Wallace that he would jump and pointed a pellet gun at Wallace, Pentangelo said.

Officer Javier Cenra of the Port Authority's Emergency Service Unit joined Wallace in speaking with Peck, who laid down the weapon at 10:27 a.m., police said.

Police pulled Peck over the railing and took him into custody at 10:56 a.m., police said.

Peck was taken to Bergen County Regional Medical Center in Paramus for psychological evaluation.

"It is unclear exactly why he wanted to harm himself," Pentangelo said.

Police closed the bridge's upper level in both directions Friday morning. The bridge was reopened at 10:57 a.m., police said.

Police have intervened on 13 suicide attempts on the bridge this year. Two people have committed suicide, police said.

Send local news tips, photos, and press releases to daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Photo of GWB jumper — Courtesy of Brian Thompson, NBC4

Photo of the air pellet gun Peck had in his possession. — Courtesy of Port Authority Police Department