On Thursday, July 19, 2018 at approximately 9:40 PM, Plainfield Officers were dispatched to the Mill Run Apartments on a report of a welfare check on possible mental/emotional 34 year old female. Upon arrival, the female exited onto the third floor balcony of her apartment and kicked the metal railing off of the balcony before making threats to jump off the building.
Corporal Zach Gadawski immediately began attempts to negotiate with her in effort to de-escalate the situation and continued to do so throughout the incident. Through Cpl. Gadawski’s calm demeanor and approach, he was able to convince her to sit down rather than stand near the edge of the exposed balcony.
While Cpl. Gadawski continued to speak with the female, Officer Bob Sumner staged outside of the main entry door of her apartment. Officer Shawn Gruca and Officer Cole Wuest met with the fire department and obtained a Knox Box key to gain entry into the apartment should it become necessary. Sergeant Matt Murray then joined Officers Gruca, Sumner, and Wuest outside of the female’s apartment and managed to quietly unlock the door.
After nearly 45 minutes of negotiating with the female, Cpl. Gadawski managed to convince her to show him an item from the interior of her apartment. As she left the balcony and entered the apartment, the officers were able to secure the female without incident and take her to the hospital for psychological evaluation.
The calm, coordinated, and professional efforts of these officers saved the 34 year old female from potential self-inflicted serious bodily harm or death. The Plainfield Police Department commends these officers for their efforts.
