Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

Officers with the Sarasota Police Department helped rescue a man from a sixth-floor ledge last week. Shortly after 2 a.m. March 27, they responded to reports of a man sitting in an opening of a downtown parking garage.

Officer Michal Banasiak arrived and began speaking with the man, assuring him he was not in trouble despite the gathering of police and emergency vehicles on the ground below. 

After officers Kassidee Plumley and Orlando Perez arrived to assist, a rescue opportunity presented itself when the man accepted an offer from Banasiak to help him open a bottle. Reaching for the bottle, Banasiak instead grabbed the man by the arm and, with assistance from Plumley and Perez, pulled him to safety. All three officers joined the SPD in 2022 and 2023.

Even as the man was being handcuffed for his safety, Banasiak continued to reassure him he was not in trouble and help was available.

“This situation shows why ongoing crisis intervention training is so critical,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. “It also reminds us how powerful empathy and human connection can be. Our officers’ mission goes beyond enforcement. We’re here to safeguard lives by meeting people with compassion, awareness and support.”

The Sarasota Police Department encourages anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to reach out. Help is available at:

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
• Centerstone Crisis Services: Call 941-782-4617.

A body-worn camera video of the incident is available for download at cloudbox.sarasotagov.com.