A 12-year-old girl with special needs is home safe again, after a dangerous walk across the Grand Island Bridge.
The adventure began Monday morning, about 8:45 a.m., when Niagara Falls Police contacted local law enforcement that the girl was missing from her home. Shortly afterward, it was reported she was walking along the I-190 and the North Grand Island Bridge.
A Border Patrol agent who was nearby responded, finding the girl in the traffic lane near the crest of the bridge. The agent blocked traffic and began to talk to her, but she was unresponsive and continued to walk on the bridge.
A state trooper then arrived, positioned his vehicle in front of the girl and attempted to continue the conversation with the border agent. They say the girl became frightened and moved toward the edge of the bridge, indicating she may jump.
The trooper quickly placed her in protective custody and transported her off the bridge. She was reunited with her family.
“The young girl was in good physical health with no apparent injuries despite the below freezing weather,” said Border Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikel of the Niagara Falls Station.