Atlanta Police Save 25-Year-Old Woman Threatening Suicide Inside Burning Home

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta police officers helped save a young woman who had been threatening suicide inside her burning home.

On Sunday Atlanta police and firefighters went to the home along Dunseath Avenue. A 25-year-old woman was upstairs armed with a knife and refused to leave while the fire raged downstairs, Atlanta police said. The woman then came out and stood on the ledge.

Once the fire died down, officers went in to speak with the woman who asked the officers to kill her, police said. Officers Mikael Ware, Benjamin Jones, and Austin Thigpen were able to safely restrain her and bring her outside.

Medical personnel began treating the woman and she was eventually taken to the hospital for an evaluation.

“We applaud Zone 1 officer’s Thigpen, Ross, Jones and Ware for their bravery, prompt action and teamwork that saved this woman’s life,” Atlanta police said in a Facebook post. “Their training and compassion shined bright in this incident. We must also highlight the partnership between police, AFRD, and other emergency responders. Together these heroes save lives and keep our city safe.”

If you are concerned someone you know may be at risk of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can provide free, confidential support for people who are in distress and resources for you.

The Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the US.
Starting June 16, 2022, callers anywhere in the US will be able to dial 988 to be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.