At around 2:04 a.m. on July 20, 2018, officers of the Morgantown Police Department, were patrolling in the area of the Walnut Street Bridge. A suicidal individual intentionally rammed a marked Morgantown Police Department Cruiser head on. The individual got out of her car and attempted to jump from the bridge.
Because of the safety and access concerns, the Walnut Street Bridge was closed to traffic during this incident, that lasted for several hours.
Officers intervened with the subject and attempted to establish dialogue to get her to move away from the railing and to a safe area. The suspect attempted to jump from the bridge and was detained following a brief struggle with officers. The individual was transported from the scene by EMS and the roadway was opened to traffic.
It is not the policy of the Morgantown Police Department to release personal information on suicide attempts, however the victim is known to local authorities and is a 27-year-old female who resides in Monongalia County. She has been transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment for psychological evaluation.
Officers involved in the collision and struggle received minor injuries and were treated and released from Ruby Memorial Hospital. The damaged patrol car is currently out of service until the extent of damage is determined and repairs are made or the vehicle is replaced.