LAKE CITY, Fla. — On Wednesday evening, a young girl found herself in a precarious situation, climbing to unexpected heights.

The Lake City Fire Department reports that this young girl, who has special needs, went missing earlier in the day. Authorities were alerted at approximately 7:40 p.m., leading them to the rooftop of PetSmart located in the Lake City Commons shopping area, where they located her.

It’s not uncommon for individuals with special needs, including children with autism, to exhibit wandering behaviors, often referred to as eloping.

In a coordinated effort, first responders, accompanied by the girl’s mother, utilized a tower ladder to approach her position. Just as they got close, the girl attempted a daring descent by trying to climb down the back of the building using a gas pipe.

LCFD said a ground ladder was deployed, allowing crews to guide her back onto the roof and to her mom and another firefighter, who were then lowered back to the ground in the ladder truck bucket.

“Fortunately, no injuries were sustained during the incident, exemplifying the exceptional skill and training of our crews,” LCFD said. 

The girl was then able to go home with her mother.