Larimer County Sheriff's Office Deputies save woman who threatened to jump from overpass

On the morning of Oct. 6, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received information that a distraught woman walked away from her home. Family members were concerned for her safety and requested assistance from the sheriff’s office. Deputies Justin Atwood and David Feyen responded to the area. At about 11:06 a.m., the woman was located on the bridge of County Road 20E over Interstate 25 just south of Highway 34.

The woman had climbed over the metal railing and sat on the edge of the bridge with her feet hanging off directly over traffic on Interstate 25. Deputies requested assistance from other law enforcement to stop traffic on the Interstate to prevent potential injuries to motorists. The woman was talking on a cell phone and did not respond when deputies called her name.

As deputies Atwood and Feyen moved closer to the woman, they heard her say to the other person on the phone that she was going to jump. The deputies immediately reacted and grabbed onto the woman as she started to lean forward over traffic below. Deputies Atwood and Feyen were able to pull the woman back over the railing and onto the bridge where she fought with them. Off-duty reserve officer Trent John of the Golden Police Department was driving past when he noticed what was happening. He responded to the bridge and assisted Deputies Atwood and Feyen in gaining control of the woman.

From the time deputies arrived on the bridge until the time the woman attempted to jump was less than one minute. Deputies Justin Atwood and David Feyen should be commended for their quick thinking and reaction to such a dangerous situation. Since there was not enough time to stop traffic on Interstate 25, the deputies most likely also prevented serious injury or worse to the motorists below. Golden Police Department Reserve Officer Trent John should be commended for responding without hesitation to assist the deputies.