NIAGRA FALLS, NY — On Monday morning, around 8:45 A.M., the City of Niagara Falls Police Department contacted all local law enforcement agencies that a 12-year-old-girl with special needs was missing from her home. Shortly afterward it was reported that the young girl was walking on Interstate 190 on the North Grand Island Bridge.
A Border Patrol Agent who was nearby responded and located the girl in the traffic lane near the crest of the bridge. The Agent immediately activated his emergency lights to yield traffic and began to talk to her. She was unresponsive to the Agent and continued to walk on the bridge.
New York State Troopers arrived and positioned their vehicle in front of the girl. The Troopers and Agent attempted to have a conversation with the young girl. However, she became frightened and quickly moved towards the edge of the bridge — indicating she may attempt to jump. One of the Troopers immediately ran over to her, safely placed the young girl in his arms and walked her off the bridge. Troopers and Niagara Falls Police then reunited the young girl with her family
The girl was in below freezing weather but she was in good physical health with no apparent injuries. It was also indicated that the girl was autistic and semi-verbal.
