Sheriff's Deputy, K9 Save Woman Who Tried Taking Own Life

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, IL — A Winnebago County sheriff's deputy and his K9 partner are being recognized for saving a woman who tried to take her own life Wednesday, officials said. In a release, the sheriff's department said deputies responded to a call from a man at Hononegah Forest Preserve Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. who told authorities he found his wife's unoccupied car there, but couldn't find her. According to sheriff's officials, the caller reported his wife had been suicidal.

Deputy Eric Pearson and his K9 partner, Chico (pictured), were dispatched to the area where the missing woman's car was found, and began searching for her after getting the scent from a piece of her clothing, officials reported.

Officials reported Chico tracked the woman's scent into a heavily wooded area a quarter-mile from her car, where they found her alive, but unconscious and unresponsive due to an attempt at taking her own life.

Rockton Fire Department crews took the woman to Rockford Memorial Hospital where she was treated.

According to sheriff's officials, paramedics said the woman likely would have died had Deputy Pearson and Chico not found her when they did.

More: winnebagosheriff.com

If you or someone you know is in distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Image via Winnebago County Sheriff's Department Facebook