A suicidal man who parked his car on a freeway connector bridge near downtown Riverside Wednesday and threatened to jump into traffic below was persuaded to surrender safely to law enforcement officers after nearly an hour of negotiations.
The call was received just after 1 p.m. on the northbound Interstate 215 connector to the westbound Riverside (91) Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The agency said that the motorist, whose identity was not released, parked a red sedan midway along the high-arching bridge and walked to the edge, staring down with his hands on his head, appearing distraught.
Multiple drivers called 911, and officers went to investigate. By the time they reached the location, the man was straddling the edge, poised to jump, according to the CHP.
Officers shut down the entire connector, as well as northbound I-215 at Blaine Street.
A SigAlert was issued at 1:30 p.m. due to the closures and ensuing traffic jam.
Officers made several attempts to engage the man, offering him help. The Riverside Police Department’s crisis negotiators were summoned, but before they reached the location, the motorist climbed off the retaining wall and peacefully surrendered to patrol personnel at 1:53 p.m.
The CHP reopened the bridge and I-215 about 2 p.m.
The man was taken to Riverside Community Hospital for triage and probable psychiatric evaluation.