Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara reports that 4th Precinct Officer Elijah Melvin rescued a suicidal teenage girl who was threatening to jump from a roof on Wednesday, June 23.
According to police, shortly after 5 p.m., Officer Melvin and other members of the 4th Precinct responded to a call of family trouble at a South Ward residence.
Newark Firefighters and EMS also responded to the scene. Officer Melvin climbed out onto the roof and spoke caringly toward the teenager, who reported being distraught after losing an older brother.
He shared with her his own relationship with his younger sister, telling her that her brother would want her to live her life to the fullest.
Police said that by about 5:20 p.m., the teen agreed to not jump and was taken down from the roof by Officer Melvin and other first responders.
She was then transported by EMS to an area hospital for further evaluation.