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Officers save teen who allegedly threatened to jump from bridge day before her 18th birthday

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — A teen is alive to celebrate her birthday after officers rescued her when she threatened to jump off a Lincoln County bridge Thursday, according to officials.

[RELATED: Deputies say Caldwell County shooting was likely a murder/suicide]

Deputy C. Palin said he was on routine patrol when he spotted a teenage girl walking on the bridge on Ingleside Farm Road over NC Highway 73.

As Palin got out of his vehicle, he said the girl climbed the railing and stood on the edge of the bridge.

Officials said the deputy stopped where he was and began talking to the girl.

While talking to her, Palin learned her 18th birthday was the following day and she had been struggling through some personal issues.

[RELATED: Man found dead beneath Salisbury bridge may have froze to death]

She told the deputy she had not been taking her prescription medication and was concerned about losing her job and license due to a speeding ticket she had received recently.

As the two talked, Palin notified Lincoln County Communications that additional units were needed to block traffic and help with talking her off the bridge.

According to officials, the deputy continued to try to keep the teen focused on him instead of the ledge until State Highway Patrol Trooper Black and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective M. Lookadoo arrived to assist.

Officials said the officers were able to talk the teen off the ledge and she is now under the care of the Gaston Crisis Mental Health Center.

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