Memphis Police Officers Stop Boy From Jumping into Mississippi River

by | Feb 4, 2023 | Local News | 0 comments

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These have been difficult days for Memphis. There’s no need to remind us all of the pain and suffering this community has been through over the weeks.

There’s also been lots of anger and hate and raised voices. Outside forces trying to pit us against one another. Trying to strip us of our humanity.

But something happened the other day on the Hernando-Desoto Bridge over the Mississippi River that should cause all of us to do some soul-searching.

Memphis Police Lt. Tuznik was driving on the bridge and came across a desperate young man – a 17-year-old boy.

“He stood on the outside ledge of the bridge contemplating suicide,” the Memphis Police Dept. recounted in a Facebook message.

Officer Shaw arrived moments later and began talking with the teenager.

“He explained how he is a new father and how life is stressful,” the police department said. “Being a mother, Officer Shaw talked to him and understood his stress. Officer Shaw spoke to him for nearly 15 minutes and convinced him to hold on to her while she helped him to safety.”

In that moment, the police officers became that young man’s lifeline.

Memphis Police Dashcam Video

“After he was pulled from the ledge, they hugged, and Officer Shaw told him, ‘things will get better.’ He thanked her for being there and helping him,” the police department said.

What happened on that bridge probably won’t generate national headlines, but it should.

It’s a reminder that the men and women who wear the uniform of the Memphis Police Department are good and decent people. They protect us. They serve us.

Some might say it was just a coincidence that Officer Shaw answered the call that day and found herself on the I-40 bridge. But I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in God-ordained appointments. And I believe it was Providence who sent an angel wearing a badge to walk that distraught teenager back from the abyss.

These have indeed been difficult days for Memphis. But things will get better.

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