Palm Coast, FL - I-95 and Palm Coast Parkway were shut down in Flagler County on Monday (July 26) after a juvenile threatened to jump off the overpass.
Multiple agencies—the Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler Beach Police Department, and the Palm Coast Fire Department (PCFD)—responded to the area after numerous 911 calls reported a juvenile standing on the edge of the Palm Coast Parkway overpass.
Because of previous engagements with law enforcement, deputies knew that the juvenile does not like males so they formed a female negotiation team to assist in the rescue.
After around an hour of negotiations, the PCFD was able to use a fire engine ladder to safely bring the teen back to the ground. The juvenile was placed under a Baker Act and transported to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach for further medical evaluation.
"I implore the Department of Children and Families to intervene quickly and get this juvenile the help she needs before it is too late," Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said. "She is crying-out for help and I am fearful that one time she will be successful. The quick response and combined efforts of FCSO deputies, Crisis Negotiations, Communications Center, Fire Rescue saved a life today. I hope that she gets the help she desperately needs."
This same juvenile was rescued by deputies a month ago after they attempted to jump from the same overpass on Father's Day.
If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time to speak to someone and get support. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the United States, call 1-800-273-8255.
