Police: Suicidal Teen Rescued From Bridge on I-84

Local police from three different departments handled an incredibly intense situation on Wednesday after when a teen reportedly threatened suicide on a bridge over I-84 West.

According to the Republican American, police officers from Waterbury and Naugatuck,  and Connecticut State Troopers, responded to the report around 4:30 PM Wednesday (August 7) which prompted them to close both the highway and the bridge itself.

Police say that since the unidentified teen in distress only speaks Portuguese, Naugatuck Police Detective Andre Moutela was brought in to assist with the negotiations.

The westbound lanes of Interstate 84 were closed for over 40 minutes while commuters and about 20 other passersby watched as the first responders attempted to talk the teen down, who at one point was reportedly perched at the very top of the bridge.

As the negotiations continued, an officer from the Waterbury PD eventually got close enough to the teen to reach out and pull he/she to safety. The teen was then taken to Waterbury Hospital for treatment.

According to a statement from the Waterbury Police Department, more information regarding the incident will be presented at a press conference Thursday afternoon at 3:00 PM.

This incident comes less than two months after State Police Sgt. Ryan Hennessey blocked traffic and raced across I-84 in Waterbury to grab a 16-year-old girl who also was believed to be attempting to harm herself.

If you have a friend or family member you think might be in crisis or has suicidal ideation, dial 9-1-1 or take them to a hospital ER immediately. Other support services include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and the Crisis Text Line. Text the word, "HELP" to 741741.