On the evening on January 4, 2022, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call about a juvenile who was standing on the outside of the overpass bridge of Palm Coast Parkway and I-95 and threatening to jump.

When deputies arrived to the scene, they observed the juvenile standing on the outer ledge of the bridge, outside of the metal barrier. Deputies shut down Palm Coast Parkway and I-95 in both directions as multiple agencies responded, including the FCSO Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) and Palm Coast Fire Department.

Due to previous engagements with law enforcement, deputies were aware that the juvenile doesn’t like males and formed a female negotiation team to assist in the juvenile’s rescue. The responding deputies were able to communicate with the juvenile, develop a rapport, and held her hands as she made her way safely back to the ground.

“This is another outstanding rescue by all involved,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The quick response and combined efforts of FCSO deputies, Crisis Negotiations, Communications Center, Fire Rescue, and the deputies holding the juvenile’s hand saved her life again. Their training in de-escalation techniques and being able to talk to someone who’s threatening to take their life is remarkable. I commend everyone who stepped up for this child’s life for the third time in six months. This child continues to need significant help and I am once again asking the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and her parents to get this juvenile the help she needs before it is too late. We have also asked the Florida Department of Transportation to access how they can secure the bridge to prevent acts like this but so far have not had any action.”

The juvenile was placed under a Baker Act and transported to Halifax for further medical evaluations.

View Footage of Rescue Here: https://youtu.be/ldmFRxlxjpg

There are numerous resources for help with mental health struggles in Flagler County. For more information visit http://www.flaglerlifeline.org/local-mental-health-services/ or call 800-273-8255.  You can also visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Melissa Morreale

Public Affairs Officer

Organizational Services Division

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR