http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_062109_news_I-5_bridge_jumper.13603a2f.html?npc
Suicidal man with bow and arrow closes I-5 bridge for hours
10:38 AM PDT on Monday, June 22, 2009
By FRANK MUNGEAM, Kgw.com Staff
A standoff shut down the I-5 bridge between Oregon and Washington for almost four hours Sunday evening.
Standoff closes I-5 bridge SB According to police, a man stopped his vehicle in the southbound lanes around 3:30 p.m. and straddled the railing, armed with a knife, a bow and arrows.
The man was threatening to jump.
Police closed the southbound lanes of the I-5 bridge and requested river backup from the Portland and Vancouver fire departments, along with Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Police also activated its Special Emergency Response Team and called in hostage negotiators to try to talk the man down.
"The reason why we stop traffic on the bridge instead of having cars go by is for the safety of the person who is not having a great day," said Sgt. Mike Marshman with the Portland Police Bureau, "(and) the officers up there, for their safety."
Drivers stuck on the bridge had to turn around and go the wrong-way on the interstate.
Police were able to successfully talk the man down, and the I-5 bridge was reopened just after 8 p.m.
The man will be held for a mental health evaluation but was not immediately charged with any crimes.
Suicidal man with bow and arrow closes I-5 bridge for hours
10:38 AM PDT on Monday, June 22, 2009
By FRANK MUNGEAM, Kgw.com Staff
A standoff shut down the I-5 bridge between Oregon and Washington for almost four hours Sunday evening.
Standoff closes I-5 bridge SB According to police, a man stopped his vehicle in the southbound lanes around 3:30 p.m. and straddled the railing, armed with a knife, a bow and arrows.
The man was threatening to jump.
Police closed the southbound lanes of the I-5 bridge and requested river backup from the Portland and Vancouver fire departments, along with Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Police also activated its Special Emergency Response Team and called in hostage negotiators to try to talk the man down.
"The reason why we stop traffic on the bridge instead of having cars go by is for the safety of the person who is not having a great day," said Sgt. Mike Marshman with the Portland Police Bureau, "(and) the officers up there, for their safety."
Drivers stuck on the bridge had to turn around and go the wrong-way on the interstate.
Police were able to successfully talk the man down, and the I-5 bridge was reopened just after 8 p.m.
The man will be held for a mental health evaluation but was not immediately charged with any crimes.
