This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
It's Friday. It's rush hour. And part of the 5 Freeway in East L.A. has been shut down because of a man who is either suicidal or a tagger caught in the act.It is not clear why the man was clinging to the sign at the Downey Road overpass near Olympic Blvd., but his presence caused a SigAlert at about 4 p.m. today, KTLA reports. Both sides of the freeway have been closed; northbound 5 (Santa Ana) Freeway traffic was diverted onto the 710 (Long Beach) Freeway while southbound traffic was diverted onto Dittman Avenue.
Early reports said the man appeared to be clutching a spray can and was a tagger, but authorities have said he refused to come down and was possibly suicidal. In either case, they are treating him as such and have placed a big, inflatable mattress below. Here are some photos from the scene:
BREAKING: Ginormous grilled cheese sandwich shuts down the 5 Freeway at rush hour. pic.twitter.com/bmhpwlrb9x
— Militant Angeleno (@militantangleno) July 26, 2014
#photo 5 freeway right now through Boyle Heights. Drivers out of cars, watching the guy on the overpass pic.twitter.com/2ql3kJEYMW
— Tara Finestone (@tarawallis) July 25, 2014
#BREAKING: Firefighter just walked on scene with giant saw! This could get interesting. #5Freeway #BoyleHeights #KTLA pic.twitter.com/rfh4hehprw
— Marcus Smith (@MarcusSmithKTLA) July 25, 2014
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.
