By Joanna Putman
Police1
O’FALLON, Mo. — An officer was able to save the life of a teen threatening to jump from an overpass onto an interstate, KMOV reported.
In body camera video, the voice of Officer James Mora can be heard speaking to the 13-year-old, who was straddling the concrete barrier. Traffic on the interstate and on the overpass had been shut down, according to the report.
The boy was distraught and asking for his phone, so officers tossed it on the ground in front of him. He was able to pick it up without climbing off the railing.
Mora talked with the 13-year-old at length. At one point, he can be seen in the video showing the teen pictures of his dog and discussing dog breeds with him.
Speaking with Mora appeared to calm the boy down. Mora was then able to pull the teen off the barrier and onto the ground.
“The O’Fallon Police Department is proud of Officer Mora’s selfless and quick action while dealing with a 13-year-old male in mental crisis. Our department is dedicated to crisis intervention and helping those in need,” a department spokesperson told KMOV.