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Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life

By Jeralyn, Section Off Topic
Posted on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 09:24:47 AM EST
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New Year's Eve is a stressful time for many. You can tell by the increased numbers of sirens wailing. It reminds me of the line in Don Henley's New York Minute, "Somebody going to emergency, somebody's going to jail."

Sometimes, you don't know which. Around 8:00 Friday night, New Year's Eve, a 16 year old threatened to jump from an overpass on Denver's Interstate 25. Police blocked off the highway, an almost unprecedented move for the city. It caused a bunch of accidents and motorists were yelling at the teen, shouting "loser" or curses.

Anyway, the teen didn't speak English, he was from Juarez, Mexico and reportedly upset about family problems. He stayed up on the bridge for 2 hours. Denver Police brought in two Spanish speaking negotiators --and counselors--and a team of police, and they eventually brought him down in a bucket.

The teen was taken to the hospital and police haven't decided whether to file charges.

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    Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life | 8 comments (8 topical)
    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#1)
    by Kitt on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 09:52:07 AM EST
    One of my most memorable moments in ER was a 16-year-old who upset because his parents wouldn't let him do 'something' then took a small caliber pistol and shot himself in the temple. Lying on the stretcher, we all just stared because physically there was little sign of his death, just some blood at his temple - but just the stupidity (and stupidity is NOT an accurate word). It just pointed out the immediacy of their lives. There's a lack of sophistication in knowing of what's beyond and what you as an individual are capable of doing or handling.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#2)
    by Rich on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 10:13:49 AM EST
    It's always amazing to me how quickly the judgments come out about suicide. It's not like people have "Ozzie & harriett" lives for most of their life, then have a hangnail or other minor problem, and then try to kill themsleves. Usuaully things have been difficult in someone's life for a long, long time before they get out the heavy weaponry or try something that can do real damage.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 10:15:13 AM EST
    The Denver police did a good thing, maybe he department is starting to get a little better as they have had some problems over the last few years.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 10:21:28 AM EST
    Youths seem to overreact to almost everything in their lives. One of the creators of south park was talking about it in Bowling for Columbine. Most kids do not seem to realize that after they are 18 or 21 most of the things that they thought were terrible are really no bid deal. I have always thought this starts with parents who make a big deal out of everything, e.g if you get a bad grade your life is ruined. These kids seem to believe that, I wish people would tell their kids that is OK to fail, because I think all of us fail at something at some point.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 10:51:50 AM EST
    Well happy to hear the cops didin't shot him off the overpass, that has happened. But what would have happened if the kid did that in mexico? and why is his family in this country and can't understand english? is it because his family need money or his mother and father can't find a job in mexico? it is also a political question of why? but the left and right can always setup camps for people like me who can see; what this and many other things are really all about. but good for the cops.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 11:18:56 AM EST
    Kudos to the Denver PD. More of that stuff please. Didn't even have to taser him.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 11:28:41 AM EST
    Karl, What you wrote is so true, and so humane. I think the motorists yelling at the teen are the real losers.

    Re: Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life (none / 0) (#8)
    by Kitt on Sat Jan 01, 2005 at 04:04:18 PM EST
    I've been thinking about what Rich wrote: "It's always amazing to me how quickly the judgments come out about suicide. It's not like people have "Ozzie & Harriett" lives for most of their life, then have a hangnail or other minor problem, and then try to kill themsleves. Usuaully things have been difficult in someone's life for a long, long time before they get out the heavy weaponry or try something that can do real damage" I don't know who (if anyone here) this is directed. I do think few 16 year-olds can see beyond now because that's where their world is, now. This boy will learn and know at some point that things aren't static and after a point do get 'better.'

    Denver Police Negotiators Save a Life | 8 comments (8 topical)