Officers Rescue Teen From Overpass Sunday

Sullivan Police Officers were alerted Sunday, Nov. 26, about a young woman sitting on the edge of the Highway D and Burlington Northern Railroad Overpass, believing that it could be a suicide attempt.

Officers responded to the overpass, in Sullivan, at 12:01 p.m. and were able to bring the young lady to safety.

“We received numerous reports from the public regarding a woman sitting on the ledge of the overpass and they were concerned that she may attempt to jump off the overpass,” said Sullivan Police Lt. Patrick Johnson. “When officers arrived they did determine that the female may attempt suicide from the overpass. These officers made a coordinated effort together and were able to help bring her to safety. In fact one of our officers has also followed up with the victim at the hospital following the incident.”

The teen was then transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital-Sullivan by Missouri Baptist Ambulance for treatment.

Johnson reported that officers are trained in how to conduct themselves and handle these types of incidents, adding that the officers did a tremendous job Sunday.

The holidays often spark depression and other mental issues among many people across the country.

The Missouri Department of Health through the Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline or Access Crisis Intervention Hotline can be reached in Franklin and Washington counties at 1-800-811-4760 and in Crawford County at 1-800-833-3915. The lines are staffed by mental health professionals 24-hours a day and seven days a week