Deputies save man from jumping off Courthouse 3rd floor

Deputies of the Newport News Sheriff’s Office saved a man who tried to kill himself by jumping from the 3rd floor of the Circuit Court building.

It happened on Friday, October 28 around 9:30 a.m., moments after the 25-year-old Newport News man was sentenced by Judge Christopher Papile for drug charges. He was not in custody and was standing with his attorney. He suddenly ran out of Courtroom #1 to the railing across the hall and jumped. Deputy L. Johnson caught him by the leg, keeping him from falling to the floor below. Deputy D. Tolson grabbed him and the two pulled the man back over the railing to safety. With assistance from other deputies, the man was quickly subdued and taken into custody.

Sheriff Morgan praised the response of his Court Security personnel.

“I’m proud of Deputies Johnson and Tolson. Their quick actions saved a man who was determined to die,” Morgan said. “We are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the courthouses and courtrooms and those who enter them. These men and women are trained to respond immediately when a disruption occurs and that’s just what they did,” Sheriff Morgan added.

Deputy Johnson has been with the Newport News Sheriff’s Office since April 2019; Deputy Tolson joined the NNSO in April 2009.

The man is in the Newport News City Jail.