NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – A U.S. Border Patrol agent from the Niagara Falls Station, along with a New York state trooper helped safely recover a missing 12-year-old female.
Yesterday morning, at approximately 8:45 A.M., the City of Niagara Falls Police Department contacted all local law enforcement agencies that a 12-year-old-female 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 putting herself in grave danger.
A New York state trooper then arrived and positioned his vehicle in front of the female. The trooper and agent attempted to have a conversation with the young girl. However, the young girl became frightened and quickly moved towards the edge of the bridge indicating she may attempt to jump. The State trooper immediately ran over to her, safely placed the young girl in his protective custody and transported her off the bridge. Troopers and Niagara Falls Police then reunited the young girl with her family
“Our agents are always ready to protect the communities we live in, whether of a law enforcement nature or searching for missing persons,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikel of the Niagara Falls Station. “The young girl was in good physical health with no apparent injuries despite the below freezing weather.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-331-0353 toll free.
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