Press Release: MCSO Deputies and CHP rescue distraught man
DATE/TIME: 2/21/2026 at 11:34 AM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and CHP Officers rescue suicidal male
LOCATION: San Miguel Canyon Road overpass
MEDIA CONTACT: Eric Bixler, Chief Deputy
On February 21, 2026, at approximately 11:34 a.m., deputies with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the California Highway Patrol (CHP) with a report of a suicidal individual on the San Miguel Canyon Road overpass above Highway 101. The individual was sitting on the railing of the bridge and threatening to jump.
For the safety of the public and first responders, southbound Highway 101 and associated off-ramps were temporarily closed. Personnel from Crisis Intervention Services, North County Fire District, and American Medical Response (AMR) also responded to the scene. North County Fire did not have rescue airbags available and attempts to locate an agency that could provide them were unsuccessful.
CHP Officers T. Duckworth and J. Simonian, along with Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiator Deputy Osuna and Deputy Cosio, attempted to negotiate with the individual for approximately two hours. Despite their efforts, the individual remained on the railing. MCSO Sergeant Nottingham coordinated with Deputy Cosio to monitor for an opportunity to safely intervene.
When the individual repositioned himself as if preparing to jump and began looking down while praying, Deputy Cosio immediately took decisive action and grabbed him. Deputy Osuna and CHP Officers Duckworth and Simonian rushed in to assist, and together they safely pulled the individual back over the railing.
Sheriff Tina Nieto commended the deputies and CHP officers for their swift and courageous actions, noting they placed themselves at significant personal risk to save the life of a person in crisis.
Crisis Intervention staff subsequently placed the individual on a 5150 hold, and he was transported to Natividad Medical Center for evaluation and care.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.