Man who jumped into East River, 3 Good Samaritans rescued

EAST VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Three Good Samaritans sprung into action after a man jumped into the East River Wednesday.

An apparently emotionally disturbed person jumped into the water at East 10th Street just before 7:30 a.m., according to the New York City Police Department.

Three joggers spotted the man and attempted to rescue him.

David Blauzvern said he heard the man yell for help and went in after him. NYPD Capt. Mike Russo also was jogging nearby when he saw the man jump, and went into the water to assist Blauzvern.

A third man jumped in, while onlookers called 911.

Blauzvern, a former lifeguard, was able to save the man from drowning. Police said it appears the man couldn't swim.

Blauzvern kept the man afloat for 10 minutes while the two others stayed close to the wall, holding his arms. A New York City Police Department Harbor Unit spotted all of them in the river and pulled them to safety.

The disturbed man was taken to Bellevue Hospital to be checked out.