Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, March 9, 2012
(TERRE HAUTE) - Multiple state and local emergency agencies responded to a 911 report of man attempting to jump from the State Road 63 bridge over the Wabash River, just north of Terre Haute Wednesday.
All northbound traffic was stopped for about 50 minutes. When police arrived they found a 39-year-old Terre Haute man sitting on the cement barrier wall of the bridge in the northbound lane.
As police approached the distraught man moved to the outside of the barrier wall and hung on with his arms. The more police talked the more agitated the man became. An ISP hostage negotiator arrived, while three rescue boats, from Sugar Creek Fire Rescue and one from the Indiana Conservation Department arrived below the man in case he jumped or fell from the bridge.
After nearly 51 minutes of tense negotiations by ISP Hostage Crisis Negotiator Senior Trooper Joe Rutledge and Vigo County Sheriff's Lieutenant Mike Anderson, the man voluntarily climbed down.
The man was then transported to the local Katherine Hamilton mental health facility for treatment. No charges are anticipated. Because of mental health issues his name is not being released.
Agencies responding were the Indiana State Police, Vigo County Sheriff's Office, Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana State University Police, Indiana Conservation Officers, and the Sugar Creek Fire/Rescue Department.
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