Jumper on North Hill Street

A 30-year-old male was precariously positioned on a concrete beam on the fourth floor of a downtown parking structure — 49 feet from the ground.  While LAPD crisis negotiators were talking with him, Captain John Cappon's (left) crew set up a rope capture system. All members were in brush coats, helmets and work gloves with the exception of Captain Cappon. He said he chose not to wear his gear because he did not want to intimidate the suspect.

Cappon was standing near the LAPD negotiators when the man threw a water bottle at them. Without warning, he then dropped to his stomach and swung below the beam. Cappon immediately ran down the stairs to the level below. He positioned himself behind a van that was parked in front of the man. When he saw the man letting go, Cappon dove toward him and grabbed his legs. Cappon held on as the man shouted and struggled, almost taking them both over the side. Cappon descibes what happened next: "I felt someone grab me by putting both arms around my body, pulling me and the guy back to safety in the parking structure. I realized that the guy who grabbed me was Engineer John Libby (right). I truly feel without his help I would have fallen and the guy probably would have died."

Engineer Libby stated that Captain Cappon acted without regard for his own safety. He received a significant knee injury as a result of this rescue. Engineer Libby acted without hesitation, helping maneuver the suspect inside and subduing him.