Mead Police Officers talk down subject on bridge

August 20, 2022- On Thursday, August 18, Mead Police Officers were dispatched to the area of I-25 and mile marker 246, after a call reported a person standing on a bridge. Officers checked both WCR 34 and WCR 38 bridges that are on either side of that mile marker.

Officer Palmer, with the Mead Police Department, located the subject on WCR 38 bridge where he was standing on the edge, hanging onto the railing. He appeared to be considering falling or jumping onto the busy I-25 roadway. Due to the serious nature and likelihood of injury or death, the Mead Police Department and responding officers from Johnstown, Firestone, Weld County Sheriff’s Department, and Colorado State Patrol, closed I-25 traffic in both directions. Mead Police Commander Smith, incident commander, organized road closures and rerouted traffic with Highways 66 and 56, causing significant traffic impacts in the surrounding area.

Officer Palmer and Sergeant Holmen talked with the despondent subject in hopes of de-escalating the situation. After speaking with him for over an hour, they were able to walk with him to a safe location off the bridge. A co-responder from Mead Carbon Valley Co-Responder Program met with the subject and assisted with transport. He was immediately provided mental health resources and medical attention.

Officer Palmer and Sergeant Holmen showed great patience, empathy, and concern in working to de-escalate the situation and secure a positive resolution. The Mead Police Department would like to thank all the area first responders that assisted with this incident and contributed to a successful conclusion.