The 6th Street Bridge in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles was shut down Friday morning after a man climbed onto one of the structure’s iconic steel arches, prompting a coordinated response from the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.
The incident began around 8:30 a.m. local time near where the bridge meets the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, reported KTLA.
The man climbed onto one of the bridge’s arches and had not come down as of the most recent update.
Streets in the surrounding area, including Clarence Street, were closed off for the duration of the operation.
Emergency Response Efforts
Los Angeles Fire Department crews initially deployed a hook-and-ladder truck in an attempt to reach the man and bring him down safely.
According to reporting from the scene, the attempt was not successful, and the ladder was retracted. Fire crews then positioned rescue air cushions in a nearby park as a precautionary measure.
Several firefighters who had been stationed in the immediate area were seen creating additional distance as the response continued.
Police Involvement and Negotiation
The Los Angeles Police Department brought in a trained crisis negotiator to communicate with the man on the bridge. Reporting from the scene noted the negotiator remained in contact with him, working to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
It’s unclear whether a language barrier factored into the communication efforts.
The 6th Street Bridge, a well-known Los Angeles landmark known for its distinctive twin arches, remained fully closed to traffic during the incident, along with connecting streets near the 101 Freeway. Drivers in the downtown Los Angeles area were advised to seek alternate routes while the closure was in effect.
The man eventually came down and was arrested, according to the Los Angeles Times.