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Parole Agent Garcia saves teenager

September 28, 2026

Parole Agent Hector Garcia, second from left, was recognized by his supervisors for saving a teenager who was threatening to jump from a freeway overpass. Garcia recently graduated the Basic Parole Agent Academy.

Thanks to recently graduated Parole Agent Hector Garcia, a teenager is safe after threatening self-harm.

Parole Agent Hector Garcia was off duty, driving his personal vehicle. Shortly before 9 p.m. Aug. 7, he saw a young man dangerously close to the edge of an overpass retaining wall. The youth was also yelling toward the sky. With no other vehicles or people near the young person, Garcia called 911 to report a possible suicidal male standing on the edge of the overpass at Highway 60 and Interstate 15.

Know someone struggling?
The national suicide hotline number is 988. Learn more about California’s 988 resources.
Resources are also available for staff and their families through the Office of Employee Wellness.

The 911 operator told Garcia a unit would be dispatched. With their arrival time unknown, Garcia exited the freeway and re-entered the freeway to return to the teen’s location. When arriving back at the overpass, Garcia did not see any responding units, but he did see a young man still standing on the edge of the overpass.

Garcia then pulled over, got out and approached the unidentified juvenile male. While approaching, Garcia observed the juvenile crying and yelling he wanted to end his life by jumping off the bridge. The youth simultaneously positioned his body to jump.

With little time to spare, Garcia decided to bearhug the teen to prevent him from jumping. Garcia told the juvenile he would not let go no matter how much he tried to break free. Speaking with the juvenile, Garcia deescalated the situation by asking questions. Eventually, Garcia was able to convince the juvenile to accept a ride to a safe location. While driving, the juvenile told Garcia his name and said he was 14 years old. He further divulged he had anxiety and suffered from severe depression and could not take it anymore, leading him to want to take his own life.

The juvenile was adamant he did not want law enforcement to find out or help him. To keep the teenager calm, Garcia did not disclose his peace officer status.

Driving the juvenile to a shopping center, Garcia asked him to wait while he parked his vehicle. Garcia then called 911 to provide an update to responding officers, while maintaining a visual on the 14-year-old boy.

A Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the location a short time later. Garcia briefed the deputy on the situation before they approached the juvenile together. Garcia then provided a warm hand off to the deputy, who placed the juvenile in his patrol vehicle and transported him to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

“Parole Agent Garcia’s quick and decisive actions were heroic and helped to save the life of a troubled 14-year-old. Agent Garcia acted with remarkable selflessness and provided the juvenile with a lifeline. His courage, compassion, swift thinking and commitment to preserving life in the face of danger is in keeping with the highest values and standards of the department.
Garcia demonstrated the highest standard of professionalism and dedication to duty with his actions,” according to his supervisors. “He is an asset to the Division of Adult Parole Operations. We applaud Garcia and thank him for his dedication to duty and to his chosen profession.”

Garcia graduated from the Basic Parole Agent Academy June 26, 2026, and is assigned to the San Gabrial Valley District in Los Angels County.

Submitted by Mary Xjimenez, information officer II
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Story by Division of Adult Parole Operations

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