Clark County sheriff’s deputies responded Monday afternoon for a man in crisis who was dangling off a freeway overpass in Salmon Creek.
Multiple motorists called 911 at about 4 p.m. to report a man hanging on a light pole over the Northeast 139th Street overpass of both southbound Interstates 5 and 205, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
Deputies found the man over the concrete barrier on the north side of the overpass, with his heels over the edge of the outside light pole and hanging by his hands, the sheriff’s office said. The Washington State Patrol diverted freeway traffic on southbound I-205 for the response.
A deputy talked with the man in crisis, and after about 20 minutes, he agreed to come back onto the bridge. He was taken to an area hospital on a mental health hold, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Great professionalism, patience and empathy were key in the lifesaving outcome of this incident,” the sheriff’s office said.
The 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States for anyone thinking about suicide, seeking emotional support, or who are worried about a friend or family member. Dial or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/.
