Full Notification

On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Officer C. Perez, who was on routine patrol in the area of the York Bridge and San Pascual Avenue, was flagged down by a group of citizens directing him to a suicidal child that was sitting on the other side of the bridge’s ledge hanging on with one hand, threatening to jump. (This is approximately eighty feet over asphalt.) The child was sobbing and desperate.

Officer Perez immediately stopped his police car on the bridge and calmly walked to the area where the child was dangling, speaking to her. Officer Perez learned the child was from a group home in Los Angeles and fled from the facility for severe emotional reasons, wanting to die. Officer Perez asked the child if he could approach her to speak to her more personally and she told him he could.

Officer Perez quickly developed a trusting communication with her and was able to calm her down. Officer Perez carefully talked to her and she agreed to let him approach her more closely. Officer Perez asked the child if he could help her back over the bridge railing to safety and she told him she was scared, needing help.

Officer Perez leaned over the railing, grabbing the child’s arm as she clung to his upper body, trembling. Officer Perez placed her in a bear hug and helped her over the railing to safety. Officer Perez sat with the child on the sidewalk and provided her water. The child complained of an ankle injury and Officer Perez summoned the fire department for assistance.

The child is a twelve year old living in a group home at an address off of Avenue 64, in Los Angeles. The child was taken into custody for medical evaluation and is safe tonight because of Officer Perez’ calm, professional actions.

Officer Perez is a one year veteran of the police department and graduated from the South Pasadena High School.