- April 18, 2024
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First responders coordinated June 20 to save a suicidal teenage girl who'd climbed out on the Interstate 95/Palm Coast Parkway overpass and was threatening to jump.
The FCSO received a call from a father at about 6 a.m. reporting that his juvenile daughter was threatening self-harm.
The father said his daughter threatened to hurt herself and left their home in the B-Section of Palm Coast. The girl said “I can’t do this anymore,” and ran down the street.
The FCSO was notified that the girl was possibly heading to the overpass bridge of Palm Coast Parkway and I-95.
When deputies arrived, she was on the bridge, holding onto the outside railing facing I-95 southbound, slowly inching her way closer towards the highway.
Deputies shut down Palm Coast Parkway and I-95, re-routing traffic as multiple agencies responded, including the FCSO Crisis Negotiations Team, Flagler Beach Police Department, Palm Coast Fire Department, and Florida Highway Patrol.
Responding deputies were made aware that the girl doesn’t like males. They acted quickly to bring a female negotiation team to the juvenile’s rescue.
FCSO Deputy Jenkins was negotiating with the girl, letting her know she’s there to help her, when the girl let go of the rail to jump.
Deputy Jenkins immediately grabbed her hand before she could fall, and secured her to the rail with handcuffs.
The rescue team then rescued the girl using a fire engine ladder, and DFC Rainey secured her, safely bringing her to the ground after an hour of negotiations. Video of a portion of the incident is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW0HC5lTJhA.
“This is an outstanding rescue by all agencies 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 a life today. Their training in de-escalation techniques and being able to talk to someone who’s threatening to take their life is remarkable. I commend all the men and women who stepped up for this child’s life today. Someone’s daughter was saved on Father’s Day, and I hope she receives the help she needs.”
The girl was placed under a Baker Act and transported to Halifax for further medical evaluations.
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/
