A coordinated effort by the Kent Police Department, Puget Sound Fire, and a woman’s family saved the life of a 22-year-old Kent resident in crisis this past week.
Police said the dramatic incident unfolded at a West Hill apartment complex when multiple 911 callers reported a woman naked, hanging out of a third-story window, and screaming incoherently.
When officers arrived, they found the woman leaning dangerously far out of the window, yelling at bystanders, neighbors, and her family. Despite multiple attempts to de-escalate the situation, she climbed further out of the window, prompting fears she intended to jump.
As officers engaged her from the ground, firefighters secured a tarp below the window. Meanwhile, two officers quietly entered her apartment with a key provided by her family. Inside, they found her sitting precariously on the windowsill, holding onto the blinds for support. The officers acted swiftly, pulling her back inside to safety just as she appeared ready to let go.
The woman was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Officials expressed hope that she will now receive the ongoing support needed to address the underlying issues leading to the crisis.
“We are hopeful she will now have a chance to benefit from ongoing aid to help resolve what drove her onto the windowsill,” Kent Police said in a statement. “Thank you to neighbors who called, to our fellow first responders at Puget Sound Fire, and to the family for all working together with us to save her life.”
Are you in crisis? CALL 988 any day, any time, to speak to a trained call receiver. In danger or know someone in danger? CALL 911.
Kent Police added:
“The … post received a comment suggesting we should send a bill for services rendered when we respond to someone in crisis. We don’t do that. We never do that. If you are in crisis, please DO NOT let the threat of having to pay money for help dissuade you from calling us. 911 services are for EVERYONE regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status or language abilities. If you’re in crisis call us. We will come.”
