Release parking brake pedal

Usually when I fully depress the parking brake pedal and let my foot slide off the side the pedal snaps back (to the off position) This time it went all the way down and did not snap back. Is there a release lever/point /hook or whatever that I can pry (gently of course) out of the way to get the pedal to release or must I jack the car up and actually work on the brakes?

I got a manual from the library but it only offers the manipulate the star gear at the pad end option. I'm hoping for a slightly easier solution. Thank to all advice givers in advance.

Gary