COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — The Coconut Creek Police Department released a police officer’s body-cam video on Friday showing how he rescued a 15-year-old girl who was attempting to commit suicide at the top of a parking building.

Police Officer Ethan Rodriguez was directing traffic on Oct. 18 when he saw the teen had jumped a barrier and stood at the ledge ready to jump from The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s parking building.

Rodriguez and other police officers, who wore pink badges for breast cancer awareness month, rushed to the teenage girl’s aid as fast as they could.

“We care. We are here. I wasn’t speaking to you the whole time, but you saw me down there, and whatever I did got your attention. I don’t know what told me to give you a heart. I am a Christian man of faith, so I am religious,” Rodriguez said.

The teenage girl was listening, and in an effort to negotiate with her, Rodriguez, who served in the U.S. Army, made an unusual deal.

“If I gave you some of my most memorable patches, would you move closer for us,” Rodriguez said. She agreed.

Rodriguez ran to his patrol car to meet his side of the bargain. Once he brought her the patches, he reached out for her hand, and in a gentle tone said, “Come here, come here. Give me a hug.”

Once he pulled her to safety, the teenage girl was in tears. She sat in the patrol car, apologetic, but the police officers told her she had nothing to be sorry about because they cared.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 and press 1 or use the 988Lifeline chat.

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