'Right Place, Right Time': Watch Texas Police Officer Save Girl in Crisis Walking on Interstate

A Texas police officer is being praised with saving an 11-year-old girl from serious injury after she began walking in the of an interstate earlier this month.

On Oct. 17, Shenandoah Police Officer Patrick Reade responded to a call concerning a juvenile walking into traffic just before the afternoon rush hour, KHOU-TV reports. Body camera footage recently released by the department shows Reade approaching the girl, who had jumped out of her mother’s vehicle as they arrived at a mental health treatment facility.

"Right place, right time," said Reade told KHOU in an exclusive interview.  "Fortunately, I was able to make what I hope was the right decision."

Police said the child had crossed feeder lanes and began walking against southbound traffic. She then climbed onto the guardrail of an overpass.

In the footage, Reade talks calmly to the girl, reassuring her that she wasn't in trouble and urging her to walk away from the ledge. After several moments, Reade was able to pull her to safety when she briefly looked away.

“In that moment, I just tried to be more empathetic,” said Reade. “When she looked away, I seized that opportunity and grabbed hold of her.”

Shenandoah Police Lt. Courtney Pullen commended Reade’s actions, calling his response “swift and professional.” Pullen said the officer likely prevented a tragedy.

Reade, a 10-year veteran of the department, said he hopes the girl receives proper care.

"I hope that she gets the treatment that she needs, she's able to make a full recovery and hopefully go on to live a long, happy life," said Reade.