Google Map of the area.
Firefighters and police saved a man who was thrown off the Derby-Shelton bridge early Thursday.
The victim was seriously injured.
A call came in about 12:50 a.m. saying a person had just been tossed off the bridge.
A passerby initially reported a man had thrown a woman off. Crews were not sure whether the person landed in the water or on pavement.
Crews quickly responded and spotted a man in the river under the bridge.
The man was moving “just a little bit,” according to emergency radio dispatches.
Rescue boats from Derby and Shelton were called to the scene.
“Officer David Eldridge swam out to victim and quickly pulled him to shore with the assistance of fire personnel,” according to a statement from Shelton police. “Once brought to shore the male victim was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital with serious injuries.”
At least two emergency responders had to be treated for exposure. The temperature hovered in the 30s overnight.
The victim was described as a 30-year-old man from Monroe.
Mario Dias, 30, of Derby, was driving by when he saw the commotion.
“I saw people screaming for help and a man with no shirt running up and down the bridge,” Dias said. “I pulled over and asked what was wrong, I was told by a bystander that a man was thrown off the bridge. I tried to locate where he had fallen while another man was on the phone with emergency service.”
Police are trying to figure out what happened and who is responsible.
“An investigation revealed that an altercation occurred on the bridge and the victim was thrown off the bridge,” Shelton police said. “Police are aware there were witnesses to this incident, and request anyone that may have information to contact the Shelton Police Department at (203) 924‑1544. Calls can be kept confidential.”
Wednesday evening is called “Valley New Years” locally. It’s an extremely busy night for bars in downtown Derby and Shelton.
The bridge connects the two downtowns.
