LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
A man was taken into custody today after attempting to jump off of a 101 Freeway sign in downtown L.A. this afternoon.
LAPD Officer Tony Im told LAist that they received a call at 4:41 p.m. about the jumper, who was on the freeway between Grand Avenue and Hope Street. Authorities laid out rescue air cushions under the sign the man was standing on, right at the Grand Avenue overpass. LAFD and CHP were also on site. Police were able to safely take the man into custody.
Im said police will be organizing a medical evaluation for the man, and will see if he needs medical treatment.
One quick grab by chp officer and the man is safe. Traffic on 101 downtown backed up miles pic.twitter.com/Vry6GPCjgC
— Jeff Michael (@JeffMichaelNews) July 11, 2015
Man threatening to jump off Grand overpass of 101 frwy has snarled traffic through all downtown pic.twitter.com/K5HKzZSLY2
— Jeff Michael (@JeffMichaelNews) July 11, 2015
Downtown S 101 Broadway jumper brings freeway to a halt. Back up to Sunset @KCBSKCALDesk @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/35qG8YUcDE
— stu mundel (@Stu_Mundel) July 11, 2015
Stu Mundel of KCAL and KCBS tweeted that the 101 Freeway has re-opened after a portion of the southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway were shut down during the incident, backing up traffic for miles.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone, remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt, and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.