UPDATE: I-40 standstill resolved, no injuries says THP
SEE ALSO: Jackson Fire Department’s ingenious approach to I-40 bridge incident
JACKSON, Tenn. — Traffic on US 412 and I-40 came to a standstill this evening as first responders attempted to coerce a man off of the I-40 overpass over Hollywood Drive.
We were first notified of the incident by a WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News tipster who told us a man was standing on the edge of the bridge saying he would jump off.
When we arrived on scene around 5 in the evening, we saw first responders arriving as well.
At this time, all four lanes of traffic on Hollywood Drive and Highway 412 were already closed.
Later the on and off ramps to I-40 would be closed as well as the West bound lane of the interstate.
For the next three and a half hours, law enforcement, EMS, and firefighters attempted to urge the man to come down off the edge of the bridge.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol was spotted on the bridge speaking with him during this time, while firefighters underneath deployed a ladder truck with a bucket to catch him if needed.
Multiple times, the man did walk away from the edge of the bridge and talk to law enforcement in the road of the closed West bound lane.
According to SGT. Charles Childers, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the individual was detained by law enforcement on the bridge around 8:30 p.m.
Traffic in all lanes has since re-opened, starting with I-40, then Hollywood, then 412.
Sgt. Childers told us the man was taken to the hospital with no physical injuries.
We, of course, appreciate our tipsters. If you would like to submit a tip in the future, email us at news@wbbjtv.com or call 731-424-4515.
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