On May 12, 2022, just after 8:00 AM, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a bridge overpass over Highway 115 along South Academy Boulevard in unincorporated El Paso County.  Several passersby reported to Dispatch a woman appeared as if she was going to jump off the bridge.
 
When deputies arrived they immediately began speaking with an adult female sitting on the overpass ledge with her legs hanging over.  Below her was Highway 115 with heavy weekday morning traffic.  She was distraught and expressed an intent to jump from the bridge into traffic below to kill herself.  
 
As deputies were attempting to stop traffic below the bridge and communicate with her, she abruptly fell from the ledge.  Deputy Ricardo Garcia, who was in close proximity to her and who had been attempting to verbally deescalate her since arriving on scene, quickly reached over the railing, grabbed her by her clothing, and prevented her from falling onto Highway 115 below.  Other deputies assisted in pulling her up onto the roadway to safety.  She was transported to a local hospital for mental health treatment.
 
There is no doubt these deputies’ quick and decisive actions saved a life that day.  We are very proud of the actions of our personnel, not only during this incident but every day.  The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office stands committed to serving and protecting our neighbors in the Pikes Peak region.  

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