Waukegan police release video of an officer stopping a teens suicide attempt, encourage people to get help

Waukegan police released body camera footage Monday of a recent incident in which they scrambled to locate a suicidal teenage girl, and found her just in time for an officer to tackle her as she tried to walk in front of an approaching train.

Officers were able to locate the teen by “pinging” her cellphone.

When officers arrived at the scene, a train was approaching. The video shows the teen coming out from behind a railroad mechanical shed, and walking towards the train tracks.

She disobeyed the officer’s commands causing Officer Christopher Harris to run towards the teen as she was headed for the tracks, and tackle her.

The teen was taken to an area hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

Joe Florip, a spokesman for the Waukegan Police Department, said police released the video because they recognize mental health as a huge issue.

“We thought this might be a huge catalyst for people who need help to get some help,” he said. “That’s why we included the suicide hotline number in the press release.”

The Waukegan Police Department is reminding those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.