A quick thinking LA County Transit Policing Division deputy saved the life of a woman attempting to commit suicide by jumping in front of a Metrolink commuter train on Friday December 19th, 2014, at approximately 11:30 AM. Transit Bureau North Deputy Jorge Perez was on his way to refuel his patrol car, driving on San Fernando Road between Sheldon Street and Branford Avenue, when he noticed a woman standing very near the tracks used by Metrolink trains. Perez knew that the trains often pass through the area at close to 70 miles per hour.
Deputy Perez stopped and spoke to the woman. He told her of the trains that frequent that track and advised her to use caution. She agreed to leave the area and he returned to his vehicle and began to leave. As he left, he was flagged down by a concerned citizen approximately a block away. The person told Perez that the woman had parked nearby and pointed out her vehicle. They also mentioned that she kept looking down the tracks as if she were waiting for a train to pass. Deputy Perez knew that he had to do something immediately as another train should be coming through shortly.
By the time Perez arrived back at the location where the woman was, she was standing directly on the tracks. Deputy Perez immediately put out a radio broadcast advising of his situation and was prepared to physically take the woman off the tracks if necessary. The woman was cooperative with Perez, and he escorted her off the tracks without incident, just minutes before a train sped past. LASD Transit San Fernando Valley Sector Lead Sergeant Ray Jones arrived, and the woman told both Jones and Perez that she was extremely depressed and was about to jump in front of a train. Sergeant Jones contacted the woman’s father at her request, and he said that he was expecting a call from police notifying him that his daughter had committed suicide. The man was extremely grateful for the actions of Deputy Perez. LASD Transit Mental Evaluation Team deputies took the 32 year old woman to Olive View Medical Center for mental evaluation. She too expressed gratitude towards the deputies.
Sergeant Jones said, “That area is not usually our (LASD Transit) jurisdiction. Deputy Perez went above and beyond to ensure that the woman was safe”. Deputy Perez, a 21 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department said that he reacted with instinct. “When I realized what she wanted to do, I knew if I didn’t move quickly things were going to go bad and fast”. There were no delays to any train service. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) want to remind everyone during this most stressful time of the year that they care when you’re feeling hopeless and/or helpless. You can seek help by just picking up the phone and calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (877) 727-4747, or you can simply dial 911.
Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local sheriff’s station or police department. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Please remember, if you SEE SOMETHING that you believe is suspicious or doesn’t look right to you, SAY SOMETHING by calling: (888) 950-SAFE (7233), or your local police department. You can also use the Transit Watch LA App, to report crime or advise of something/someone suspicious. The App can be downloaded at the Apple App Store, or on Google Play for Android Devices. http://transitwatchla.org/ (remember though, calling is always best!!)
To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the LASD via e-mail, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD-Transit Services Bureau HQ, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and also register for your local LASD station area. Or, text “LASD Transit HQ” to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.
For media inquiries please contact:
Ramon Montenegro, L.E.T.
Transit Policing Division – Unit Public Information Officer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(213) 922-3649
24 Hr. : (888) 950-SAFE (7233)
Email: [email protected]
Transit Watch LA website: http://www.transitwatchla.org/
LASD website: www.lasd.org
Twitter: @TransitLASD http://twitter.com/TransitLASD
Facebook LASD Metro Transit Services: http://www.facebook.com/LASDMetroTransitServices
Instagram LASD Transit Photos: http://instagram.com/LASDTransitPIO
Address/Location
LASD - Transit Policing Division, Los Angeles County Sheriff
One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop: 99-PL-15
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: (888) 950-SAFE (7233)
Jim McDonnell, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
