Distraught Woman Rescued From Chico Overpass

CHICO, CA — A distraught woman was rescued from jumping off a freeway overpass in Chico on Sunday night thanks to the actions of a patient police officer. Officer Damon Selland found the woman, who was holding onto the chain link fence and threatening to jump from the Eaton Road overpass, and started talking to her to stop her from jumping.

Police said the woman almost lost her grip several times during the tense negotiations, which lasted about 40 minutes. Police, along with members of the woman’s family, were eventually able to get her down off of the ledge so she could be taken to Enloe Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

The California Highway Patrol temporarily closed Highway 99 in both directions during the incident. Officials remind the community that there are many resources available to those who may need help.

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