THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210430
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
The quick actions of a bystander Wednesday helped save the life of an Elizabeth City man who attempted suicide by jumping off a downtown dock.
Steven Porter Ship was sitting on a bench, reading a magazine, Police Capt. W.O. Leary said, when a man approached and said, ``If the police come looking for me, tell them I live on North Elliott Street,''
Elliott Street is about five blocks from the downtown waterfront.
A moment later the man jumped off the side of Mariner's Wharf with several neckties wrapped around his neck. The ties were fastened to a metal railing, but apparently the makeshift noose came loose during the fall.
Ship immediately ran across Water Street to Comstock's Confectionary and called 911. Police arrived minutes later and pulled the man from the water.
``His quick action is what saved this man's life,'' Leary said, commending Ship for immediately calling for help.
The rescued man was taken to Albemarle Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
KEYWORDS: ATTEMPTED SUICIDE by CNB