Man jumps from El Centro water tower in what police
say was a suicide attempt
A man was seriously injured Tuesday evening when he
allegedly jumped off the top of the El Centro city water
tower at the corner of Eighth Street and Wensley Avenue.
Richard Amator, 32, of El Centro lives near the water tower.
He allegedly attempted to commit suicide after he gained
access to the fenced and locked area around the water tower,
El Centro police Lt. Ron Merideth said.
El Centro police were called when area residents heard
Amator's cries for help after he jumped from the tower,
said Merideth.
He said officers briefly interviewed Amator at the scene and
determined from his statements that it was a suicide
attempt. It also was determined that he had climbed 70
feet up the water tower ladder before he jumped, Merideth said.
City firefighters arrived to provide assistance. They said the
injuries to Amator were serious and it appeared that he might
be paralyzed.
Amator was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center,
where he initially was treated. He later was airlifted to a
hospital in San Diego due to the extent of his injuries,
Merideth added.
El Centro police were still investigating the case and did not have further information on the condition of Amator.