California Highway Patrol Officer

California Highway Patrol

2/21/2015

Special Act Award (Gold)

On February 21, 2015, at approximately 4:20 p.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Brett Peters responded to a call involving a vehicle blocking the left lane of a transition road in Oakland, California. At its highest point, the transition road is elevated approximately 100 feet above the streets, and bordered by three foot high concrete walls with railings. Upon arrival Officer Peters saw a car stopped at the highest point of the transition road. As Officer Peters got out of his patrol car, he saw the male driver get out, walk towards the railing, and look over the edge. Fearing he was going to commit suicide, Officer Peters ran towards the man and grabbed him. A violent struggle ensued with the driver flailing his arms and pushing Officer Peters away. Officer Peters used an electronic control device on the man, but it had no effect. The driver again moved towards the railing and the struggle continued, with the driver pushing Officer Peters away. The driver then began climbing the railing and as he swung his legs over the side, Officer Peters grabbed a hold of his wrist and clothing. The driver’s entire body dangled freely over the edge, held only by Officer Peters. Officer Peters dropped to the surface of the road to maintain his balance and keep his grip on the man. The driver pushed and kicked off of the railing to free himself, yet Officer Peters continued to hold him with great effort and determination. Additional officers arrived and the driver was finally brought over the railing safely and then taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation.