Tinley Park, Illinois — Tinley Park police officers responded late Thursday night to a serious mental health crisis involving a woman near the Interstate 80 corridor, according to a statement released by the Village of Tinley Park Public Safety Department.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. on February 5, officers were dispatched following a report of a woman experiencing a mental health emergency in the vicinity of I-80. During the initial investigation, officers learned from family members that the woman had made threats to intentionally enter traffic. Family members remained in communication with her and advised police that she was believed to be lying in the grass somewhere north of Interstate 80.
Officers quickly established a safety perimeter in the area and began searching nearby terrain. The woman was located hiding in bushes close to the interstate. Police reported that she made multiple statements indicating she wanted to end her life.
Officers safely took the woman into custody without incident and arranged for immediate medical assistance. She was transported to Silver Cross Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment and evaluation.
The Tinley Park Police Department commended the responding officers for their professionalism, patience, and dedication to duty. Officials stated that the officers’ actions may have prevented a tragic outcome and ensured the individual in crisis received the care and support she needed.
Authorities emphasized the importance of taking mental health crises seriously and encouraged individuals and families to seek help when warning signs appear. The department also highlighted the role of coordinated communication between family members and law enforcement in safely resolving the incident.
No further details were released to protect the privacy of the individual involved.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available by calling 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
