Police rescue man in distress on Highway 49 in Gulfport

A crash held up traffic on Highway 49 today around noon and police averted what could have been a deadly situation.

Witnesses at the scene near O’Neil Road say a man driving ran off the road into a ditch while heading north. The man reportedly took out a blade and began cutting himself just after the crash.

Witnesses told News 25 that officers put away their tasers and talked him down from his crisis, they also praised Gulfport PD for making quick and safe work at the scene.

The driver was given aid and taken to a nearby hospital. He is not expected to be charged with a crime.