Texas Officer Rescues 11-Year-Old from I-45 Overpass During Mental Health Crisis

Dramatic Rescue on I-45 Overpass

• 🚨 A Shannondoa police officer, Patrick Reed, responded to a call about an 11-year-old girl threatening to jump from an I-45 overpass.
• 📍 The incident occurred on October 17th near Highway 242 in Montgomery County, Texas, just before the afternoon rush hour.
• 🏃 The girl had reportedly exited her mother's car while en route to a mental health treatment facility and made her way to the overpass.

Officer's Calm Approach and Intervention

• 💬 Officer Reed used a calm and empathetic approach, pleading with the girl to come down and talk to him, assuring her she was not in trouble.
• ⏳ He patiently waited, attempting to build rapport, and seized an opportunity when she briefly looked away.
• 🤝 Reed managed to grab hold of the girl, preventing her from falling or jumping, and brought her to safety.

Reflecting on the Incident

• 😥 The officer, a 10-year veteran, admitted he thought of his own children during the tense situation.
• 🙏 He expressed hope that the girl receives the necessary treatment and goes on to live a long, happy life.
• 👏 Lieutenant Courtney Poland commended Officer Reed's swift action and calm demeanor in a critical moment.

Support Resources

• 📞 For those in need of help, Crisis Intervention of Houston offers a free hotline at 832-416-1177.