A Kent Police Officer intervened to save the life of a teen in crisis during a domestic dispute call on New Year’s Eve, according to the Kent Police Department.
The incident occurred in the late afternoon Dec. 31, when Officer Mattheis and other patrol officers were dispatched to a Kent residence for a reported domestic dispute involving a family and their teenage child.
Police said details are being limited to protect the teen’s privacy.
Officers spent a significant amount of time attempting to help the family reach a resolution within the limits of the law, police said. During that effort, the teen abruptly walked away from the home.
Police said it was dark and foggy as Officer Mattheis followed the teen on foot. The teen moved quickly toward a busy roadway. The officer called out, asking the teen to stop, while carefully approaching to avoid escalating the situation.
Officer Mattheis reached the teen just as they attempted to run into oncoming traffic, police said (see video below). Visibility was severely limited due to heavy fog, and a vehicle passed by sounding its horn. Police said the officer pulled the teen back moments before they would have been struck by a car.
The teen was transported by medical personnel to a local hospital for mental health services. Police said the family was also provided with resources for ongoing support.
The Kent Police Department praised Officer Mattheis for his actions, citing his care, compassion and measured response during an emotionally charged incident.
Police encouraged anyone experiencing emotional or mental distress to seek help. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 at any time. Crisis Connections is available 24 hours a day at 1 877 500 9276 and offers interpretation in multiple languages.
Police said anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
Video
Body cam video courtesy Kent Police :
