Close CALL: Parents' Frightening Moments End When Police Find Troubled Teen Near Train Tracks

HEROES: NJ Transit trains were stopped moments before swift-moving police rescued a troubled teen in Ridgewood, authorities said.

The boy was returned safely to his mother after the frightening incident the morning of Jan. 31.
Photo Credit: *Boyd A. Loving (file photo)*

Jerry DeMarco

01/31/2024 11:13 a.m.

The boy's frightened mother called Paramus police Wednesday morning, Jan. 31, after he reportedly threatened to take his own life, they said.

Paramus Police Officer Diego Cruz alerted headquarters to get the trains stopped. Meanwhile, Paramus police flooded the area with all available officers and detectives.

They pinged the teen's cell phone, got a local result and relayed it to their Ridgewood colleagues.

Village police quickly found the teen between Oak Street and Upper Boulevard just south of Ho-Ho-Kus after 10:30 a.m., then reunited him with his mother.

NOTE: This story was revised on Feb. 5, 2024.

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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at: 988lifeline.org.

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