Indianapolis, IN – On Christmas Eve, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer helped a 34-year-old man step safely off the ledge of a downtown parking garage using an unexpected tool: a conversation about rapper Eminem.

At 6:25 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2025, officers were called to 350 N. Delaware St., near the Indiana War Memorial, for a welfare check. They found the man perched atop the garage, and kept their distance while trying to communicate.

Bodycam footage from Downtown District Officer Christopher Kaleel shows him calmly speaking with the man, saying, “We don’t want to put anyone in jail for being mentally ill.” The man responded, “You did me,” to which Kaleel replied, “I’m sorry that happened to you. We just want to help you however we can.”

Over a roughly 30-minute conversation, the topic shifted to Eminem. The man mentioned the rapper was from Missouri, and Kaleel noted he thought Eminem was from Michigan. “Are you an Eminem fan?” Kaleel asked. “I like one of two of his songs,” the man replied. The exchange helped break tension and build trust.

Eventually, Kaleel invited the man down, assuring him, “I give you my word. No one’s going to hurt you or tackle you.” The man cautiously stepped down, sat on the guard rail, and agreed to emergency detention before being taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police credited the conversation—bonding over Eminem’s music—with helping to prevent a potential tragedy on Christmas Eve.

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