San Juan, PR - On May 16, Special Deputy Christian Soto began his workday just like any other day, traveling from home to the federal office building in San Juan.
At approximately 9:30am, Soto observed a person standing on the ledge of the overpass on PR highway 22. Seconds later the person leaped into oncoming traffic and landed approximately 30 feet in front of Soto’s vehicle.
Soto immediately went into first-responder mode and activated his vehicle emergency equipment to block oncoming motorists from causing additional injuries to the person and to others traveling on the highway. While on the phone with 911 operators, Soto checked the person’s vital signs and continue to provide comfort by talking and preventing any movements.
Once emergency personnel arrived on the scene, the person was transported to Centro Medico Trauma Center in San Juan for further evaluation. According to medical reports, the person did not suffer any life threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
U.S. Marshal Arnaldo Rodriguez commended the outstanding effort and stated, “During this emergency situation, Special Deputy demonstrated professionalism that enabled him to reacted quickly, but remained calm. His quick actions prevented the victim from being injured further or killed by oncoming traffic."
Soto is an officer with the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and has been an active member of the Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force since February 2017.
The PRVOTF is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Puerto Rico Police Department, San Juan Municipal Police, Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Puerto Rico Tax Department.
