Girl called counselor and said she was planning to jump off
Highway 101 overpass
Gilroy – A young Gilroy minor called her counselor Wednesday afternoon saying she was going to throw herself over a highway overpass and then hung up the phone.
When Gilroy Police officer Taryn Hathaway arrived at the Buena Vista overpass at U.S. 101 at about 1:40pm, she saw the girl leaning against the railing – her bike alongside.
“She’s just a little girl, I didn’t want her on the other side of the railing,” Hathaway said.
The girl spoke briefly to her before climbing onto the railing.
“I didn’t have time to think. It happened really fast,” Hathaway explained.
Instinctively she reached out, grabbed the teen by the hair, and pulled her down to the roadway. The girl was transported to emergency psychiatric services in San Jose.
This was the first time in her 20-year career that she encountered this type of situation.
“I’m just glad she’s all right,” Hathaway said. “I just hope she gets the help she’s looking for.”
When Hathaway arrived back at the Gilroy Police station, more than one colleague referred to her as “a hero,” and boasted of her response.
She denied that she did anything out of the ordinary.
“There really wasn’t any drama,” Hathaway explained, blushing behind her shades.
But the fact is: A young teen who may have jumped is still alive.
“Officer Hathaway did an outstanding job,” said Sgt. John Sheedy. “She’ll be receiving written commendation for her immediate response to the situation and bringing it to a successful and safe end.”
