FLAGLER COUNTY, FL – On June 20, 2021 around 6 AM, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received a call from a father reporting that his juvenile daughter was threatening self-harm. The father stated his daughter threatened to hurt herself and left their home in the B section of Palm Coast.
The juvenile stated “I can’t do this anymore” and ran down the street.FCSO was notified that the juvenile was possibly heading to the overpass bridge of Palm Coast Parkway and I-95. When deputies arrived, she was observed 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 (CNT), Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD), Palm Coast Fire Department, and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Responding deputies were made aware that the juvenile doesn’t like males, acting quickly to bring a female negotiation team to the juvenile’s rescue. FCSO Deputy Jenkins was negotiating with the juvenile, letting her know she’s there to help her, when the juvenile 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 successfully rescued the juvenile by using a fire engine ladder, and DFC Rainey secured her, safely bringing her to the ground after an hour of negotiations.
“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 juvenile was placed under a Baker Act and transported to Halifax for further medical evaluations.