Deputy Saves Woman From Jumping Off Sunshine Skyway Bridge

A Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy pulled a woman off the ledge of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, likely saving her life, about 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, deputies said.

Deputy Damon Laney was driving to an off-duty work detail, northbound across the top span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge when he noticed a car parked on the roadway along the side of the bridge with its hazard lights on. Laney turned on his emergency lights and started to pull behind the vehicle.

The driver, a 50-year-old Tampa woman, exited the vehicle and ran towards the outside barrier wall of the bridge. As she attempted to climb over the wall and jump, Laney having no time to exit his vehicle, used his vehicle to trap her legs between the push bumper and the wall. When Laney exited his vehicle, the woman freed herself and was over the wall with the exception of one arm.

Laney grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back over the wall where she continued to struggle until being handcuffed. She was not injured during the incident. Laney detained the woman while she cried and said: "Just, let me jump."

The woman later informed Laney she was upset over personal issues. Deputies took the woman into protective custody under the Baker Act. The woman's name was not released.

Laney is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations DUI Unit; he has been with the agency for five years.

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