Police officers were able to successfully talk a teen boy from jumping off the roof of a Birmingham building Thursday afternoon.
Officers and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded to an abandoned gas station across the street from Woodlawn High School at 3:05 p.m., just as school was letting out.
The 17-year-old student was threatening jump head-first off the building on First Avenue South.
Patrol officers began speaking with the teen. The department’s tactical operations officers and negotiators arrived to provide support, as did BFRS.
The negotiations with the boy lasted about two hours.
Just after 5 p.m., the boy climbed down from the roof onto a Birmingham Fire and Rescue truck.
“My heart goes out to this young man because he was very forthcoming with our officers during their conversation,’’ said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. “At one point one of our officers even relayed to him that he had a son the same age.”
“Our officers were able to build a rapport for him,’’ Fitzgerald said. “We had a great ending and we’re going to do everything we can to get him the help he needs.”
The teen was taken to the hospital.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, reach out to the 24–hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741; or chat with someone online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours.
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